New Delhi: A public interest litigation has been filed in the Delhi High Court against suspended Delhi Police Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Manasvi Vashisht. The petition accuses him of allegedly threatening and publicly humiliating lawyers and seeks criminal and departmental action. It has also appealed for ensuring the safety of advocates.
The petition, filed by advocate Karan Bir Singh through advocate Vikrant Dabas, says that during the protest outside police headquarters on November 2, the ACP and some other police personnel made objectionable remarks against lawyers. According to the petition, a threat such as an attack with an AK-47 was also issued. Citing videos of the incident circulating on social media, the petition has sought removal of the related material.
Earlier on Tuesday, lawyers had mentioned the matter before a bench headed by Chief Justice Nitin Vasudev Sambre and requested the court to take suo motu cognisance. The court refused to take suo motu cognisance and asked the lawyers to file a formal petition. The bench had assured that the matter would be considered after the petition and available material were received.
The entire dispute began after a clash between lawyers and police personnel at Shahdara police station on October 23. Advocate Lalit Bansal sustained serious injuries in the incident. Following protests by lawyers, ACP Manasvi Vashisht and station house officer Arun Kumar were transferred. On November 2, police personnel staged a protest outside police headquarters against the transfers. After this, the Ministry of Home Affairs suspended ACP Vashisht.
The petition has also sought action against other police personnel concerned and security for advocates.
Hashtags: #DelhiState #Delhi #SuspendedACP #HighCourt #PIL #DelhiPolice #Suspended #ACP #ManasviVashisht #Lawyers
