Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Monday agreed to hear petitions concerning difficulties faced by lawyers during protests in Delhi, while making it clear that political demonstrations must not disrupt the functioning of the Supreme Court or restrict access to the judicial institution.
A bench comprising CJI Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana considered submissions by Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) president and senior advocate Pradeep Rai, who raised concerns over the problems encountered by lawyers amid the ongoing demonstrations.
The Chief Justice emphasised that democratic activities should be allowed to proceed without interference, but the movement of lawyers, court employees and litigants must remain unobstructed.
He also stressed that the Supreme Court performs institutional duties and should not become involved in political activities. The court, he said, was not concerned with the political affiliations of those participating in the demonstrations.
CJI Calls for Uninterrupted Court Functioning
During the proceedings, CJI Kant said that although democratic protests should continue peacefully, they must not interfere with the Supreme Court’s work.
The Chief Justice pointed out that the judiciary was not a political party and had a responsibility to carry out its institutional functions. He also informed the bench that he had appealed to the protesters in this regard.
The bench further emphasised that there should be no incitement or obstruction affecting court proceedings or the movement of advocates, judicial staff and litigants.
SCBA Raises Concerns Over Difficulties Faced by Lawyers
Senior advocate Pradeep Rai submitted that lawyers were carrying out their professional responsibilities and should not face interference from political parties.
He informed the bench that an independent advocate had also approached the Supreme Court through a separate petition highlighting genuine difficulties arising from the protests.
During the hearing, another senior lawyer suggested that the matter could be considered on Tuesday, referring to the experiences lawyers had faced over the preceding two days.
The Chief Justice agreed to take up the pleas and reiterated that political demonstrations should not draw the Supreme Court into political disputes.
Protests Linked to Demand for CEC’s Resignation
The petitions come against the backdrop of demonstrations in Delhi demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
On Saturday, the SCBA criticised the reported use of excessive force against advocates who were travelling to Jantar Mantar to participate in a protest organised by the CJP against the Chief Election Commissioner.
The lawyers’ association also sought urgent intervention from the Chief Justice of India over the incident.
The matter has brought attention to the difficulties faced by advocates during the demonstrations and the need to ensure that judicial proceedings and access to the Supreme Court remain unaffected.
