The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, strongly condemned the alleged intimidation of advocates by police officials at Shahdara Police Station in New Delhi, including the reported display of a revolver by a police officer to threaten members of the legal fraternity. The SCBA Executive Committee passed a formal resolution calling the conduct unacceptable and demanding immediate action against the officers involved.

What the SCBA Resolution Said

In its resolution, the SCBA stated that 'the use or display of a firearm to intimidate advocates who are legitimately seeking justice cannot be tolerated in a society governed by the rule of law.' The body described the alleged conduct as a grave threat to the dignity, independence, and safety of advocates, and said it showed disrespect to the judiciary.

The resolution was issued by Honorary Secretary Pragya Baghel on behalf of the SCBA's Executive Committee. It expressed solidarity with advocates of the Delhi District Courts and emphasised that any attempt to intimidate or obstruct lawyers in the discharge of their professional duties amounted to an attack on the independence of the legal profession and the administration of justice.

Demand to Suspend ACP and SHO

The Coordination Committee of All District Court Bar Associations of Delhi went further, demanding the immediate suspension of the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) who allegedly displayed his revolver to threaten advocates, along with the concerned Station House Officer (SHO), pending an impartial inquiry. The Coordination Committee described the alleged act as a direct challenge to lawyers who had approached the police station seeking accountability.

Notably, advocates abstained from judicial work across all district courts in the national capital on Tuesday, 27 October, as a mark of protest — a unified response following a unanimous resolution by the Coordination Committee. The lawyers' strike effectively disrupted court proceedings city-wide for the day.

Broader Context: Lawyers vs Police Tensions

This is not the first time tensions between the legal fraternity and law enforcement agencies have escalated in Delhi. The city has witnessed periodic standoffs between bar associations and police personnel over issues of professional dignity and access to justice. The alleged brandishing of a firearm, however, marks a sharp escalation in tone — and has drawn a rare formal censure from the apex court's own bar body.

The SCBA reiterated that such conduct must be dealt with firmly, stressing that advocates must be able to discharge their professional responsibilities without intimidation or threats. This comes amid growing concerns within the legal community about the safety of lawyers who approach police stations on behalf of their clients.

What Happens Next

With the SCBA demanding 'immediate and strict action against the erring officials in accordance with law,' the matter is now likely to draw scrutiny from the Delhi High Court and senior police administration. The Coordination Committee has appealed to bar members to maintain unity and solidarity while the matter is pursued with appropriate authorities. How quickly the Delhi Police administration responds to suspension demands will determine whether the lawyers' protest intensifies.