Delhi Lawyers Strike Over Alleged Police Intimidation

Lawyers across all district courts in New Delhi observed a one-day strike on October 27, 2026, to protest alleged police misconduct and intimidation. The Coordination Committee of the Delhi Bar Association called for the abstention from judicial work following a dispute at the Shahdara Police Station.

The conflict originated from an October 23 assault on advocate Lalit Bansal, which left him with a serious head injury. Lawyers allege that Assistant Commissioner of Police Manasvi Vashishta and the Station House Officer released the suspects despite assurances of arrest. Advocates further claim that ACP Vashishta intimidated them by loading and displaying her revolver.

In response, the Delhi Police registered a First Information Report against 15 to 20 lawyers, accusing them of abusing personnel, obstructing official work, and claiming officers accepted bribes to release the assault suspects. This legal action prompted the Rouse Avenue Court Bar Association to convene an emergency meeting to address the charges against its members.

The Coordination Committee is demanding the immediate suspension of ACP Vashishta and the Station House Officer pending an impartial inquiry. The strike caused widespread disruption to judicial proceedings across the capital's district courts.