Advocates detained near SC ahead of CJP protest, CJI asks cops to release them

The SCBA called on the CJI to intervene immediately and coordinate with the concerned authorities to establish the whereabouts and ensure the safety of all detained advocates.The detentions prompted the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) to seek the Chief Justice of India's intervention. (Representtaive image)New Delhi,Oct 10, 2026 12:55 ISTSeveral advocates, including senior lawyers and women advocates, were detained by police while protesting near the Supreme Court premises in Delhi on Saturday, amid heightened security ahead of protests called by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar. The detentions prompted the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) to seek the Chief Justice of India's (CJI) intervention, following which the CJI asked the authorities to release the detained lawyers, according to a Live Law report.SCBA president Pradeep Rai raised the issue in a post on X around 11.30 am, describing the reported detention of Supreme Court advocates from their chambers as “deeply disturbing”. Rai said the matter was being urgently brought to the attention of the CJI and demanded the immediate release of the lawyers. “Arbitrary detention and intimidation of advocates will not be tolerated. I demand immediate release of the lawyers,” Rai said.Around 10 minutes later, Rai posted an update saying he had also spoken to the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), New Delhi, who had assured him that the detained lawyers would be released immediately. “Just spoke to Deputy Commissioner of Police, New Delhi. They are releasing the lawyers immediately,” Rai wrote in a follow up post.Meanwhile, SCBA honorary secretary Pragya Baghel wrote to the CJI, seeking urgent intervention over the reported detention of advocates protesting peacefully outside the Supreme Court premises.In her letter, Baghel said several senior advocates and other lawyers, including women advocates, had reportedly been detained using excessive police force. She added that the association had passed a resolution expressing “grave concern” and condemning the reported action.The SCBA urged the CJI to intervene with the concerned authorities to establish the whereabouts and safety of the detained advocates, ensure their access to legal assistance and secure the release of those against whom there were no lawful grounds for detention.“We also request that the reported use of force be examined and appropriate action taken in accordance with law,” Baghel wrote.The association sought the CJI's immediate consideration of the matter, citing the urgency of the situation and concerns over the treatment of advocates during the protest.The detentions took place amid heightened security arrangements in Delhi ahead of the CJP's planned protest at Jantar Mantar.- Ends