Lawyers' Body Appeals to Supreme Court Over Disruptive Protests
A lawyers' organization has petitioned the Supreme Court, arguing that ongoing protests in Delhi are hindering their professional activities.
Lawyers' Voice claims protests by Cockroach Janta Party disrupt legal operations in Delhi.
The Supreme Court is urged to ensure protests do not infringe on others' rights.
Approximately 7,000 individuals were detained to prevent unauthorized protests.
In a significant legal move, the Lawyers' Voice has approached the Supreme Court, asserting that ongoing protests by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in Delhi are severely disrupting the professional lives of advocates. The petition, filed on October 11, 2026, seeks to intervene in contempt proceedings related to these protests, claiming that they are primarily aimed at garnering media attention while obstructing the functioning of the legal system.
The application highlights that metro services in Delhi were largely suspended on October 10, despite a prior court ruling allowing for regulated but uninterrupted operations. Lawyers' Voice argues that the right to protest, while fundamental, must not impede the rights of others or paralyze the capital's daily functioning. The organization emphasizes that the livelihoods of its members depend on the efficient operation of courts and the free movement of legal professionals and court attendees throughout the city.
In its plea, the Lawyers' Voice contends that the CJP's protests are not only politically motivated but also detrimental to public order. They reference a recent protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, asserting that such grievances should be addressed through established legal channels rather than through disruptive demonstrations. The application stresses that the matter is currently sub judice, and any aggrieved party should pursue appropriate legal remedies.
The petition also notes that the police had previously communicated to protest organizers that their planned demonstration was unauthorized under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. Despite this, the protests reportedly continued, leading to significant police presence and disruptions across the city. The Lawyers' Voice claims that these actions directly hinder the ability of lawyers and litigants to access courts, thereby jeopardizing their professional responsibilities.
Looking ahead, the Supreme Court has previously directed that no individual should be detained unlawfully and that metro services should operate normally unless public order is at risk. The outcome of this case could set important precedents regarding the balance between the right to protest and the rights of individuals to carry out their professional duties without obstruction.
