On 2025-05-17, lawyers gathered in New Delhi to protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Reports emerged of excessive police force during the gathering, leading to the detention of advocates across seniority levels, including junior lawyers and women advocates.
In response, the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) submitted a formal petition to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, urging his intervention. The SCBA resolution stated: "The Association has been informed that many advocates have been detained." It also noted: "A copy of this resolution shall be placed before the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India for urgent consideration." The associations condemned the alleged use of excessive force and demanded that the CJI ensure the safety of the detained lawyers, grant them legal access, and work toward the release of anyone held without lawful grounds.
CJI Surya Kant intervenes after Supreme Court Bar Association flags lawyers' detention amid CJP protest crackdown, secures release https://t.co/J4EWr1PQGb
SCBA president Pradeep Kumar Rai later said the detained lawyers had been released following the CJI’s intervention.
SCBA president Pradeep Kumar Rai later said the detained lawyers had been released following the CJI’s intervention.