The Coordination Committee of All District Courts Bar Associations of Delhi has called upon advocates to abstain from judicial work in all Delhi District Courts on October 27, 2026, following allegations that ACP Manasvi Vashishta displayed a revolver and threatened advocates at Police Station Shahdara.
In a circular-cum-resolution dated October 26, the Committee expressed grave concern over the events surrounding the registration of FIR No. 0252/2026 at Shahdara Police Station against members of the Bar. It demanded the immediate suspension of ACP Manasvi Vashishta and the concerned Station House Officer (SHO), pending an impartial inquiry.
According to the resolution, the matter originated from FIR No. 0248/2026 concerning an assault in which Advocate Lalit Bansal sustained a serious head injury. Advocate Amulya Ratan is stated to be the complainant in that case.
The Committee stated that several advocates visited Shahdara Police Station on October 23 to seek legal action against those allegedly involved in the assault. During the visit, the ACP and SHO reportedly assured the advocates that the persons named in the case would be arrested. However, the advocates subsequently learnt that the persons concerned had allegedly not been arrested and had reportedly been released.
The resolution further alleges that when advocates returned to the police station to raise concerns and seek accountability, ACP Manasvi Vashishta displayed her revolver and threatened and intimidated those present.
Describing the incident as a matter of serious concern for the dignity, safety and independence of the legal fraternity, the Committee stated that advocates’ efforts to seek lawful action must not become a cause for intimidation or confrontation. It also flagged recurring concerns over alleged high-handed conduct by police personnel towards advocates.
As a collective expression of protest and solidarity, the Committee unanimously resolved that advocates would abstain from judicial work in all Delhi District Courts on October 27. The resolution has been marked for information and necessary action to the Acting Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court, the Delhi Police Commissioner, district judges, the Bar Council of Delhi, the Supreme Court Bar Association, the Delhi High Court Bar Association and all District Court Bar Associations of Delhi.