Full Breakdown
Delhi Bar Association and Courts Respond to Police Actions During Anti-SIR Protests
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Bar Association Calls for Black Ribbons Amid Alleged Police Excesses
The demonstrations demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA) issued a ribbon directive on October 11.
Background & Context
The SIR exercise became controversial after the Cockroach Janta Party and student groups alleged manipulation that could affect voter eligibility. Protests on October 10-11 in central Delhi, including at Jantar Mantar, met police curfews, barricades, internet suspension and the detention of several lawyers and activists.
Timeline
- Sept 25 2026 – Indian Youth Congress (IYC) files petition for a peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar.
- Oct 1 2026 – Delhi Police rejects the request.
- Oct 9 2026 – High Court declines urgent hearing.
- Oct 10 2026 – Hundreds protest; lawyers report being man-handled, senior advocates Shadan Farasat and Dinesh Dwivedi detained.
- Oct 11 2026 – DHCBA calls for black ribbons.
- Oct 12 2026 – DHCBA members appear with ribbons; High Court defers hearing on Jantar Mantar closure; Supreme Court bench orders removal of barricades and lifting of Section 163 restrictions.
- Oct 13 2026 (scheduled) – High Court to hear petitions on the closure and alleged harassment.
Data & Statistics
- IYC’s proposed demonstration: ?100-150 participants.
- Reports indicate hundreds of lawyers and activists were detained or dragged on October 10.
Official Statements & Responses
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant affirmed the right of lawyers to peaceful protest while declining further comment. The Supreme Court bench (Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana) ordered removal of barricades and lifting of prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma asked the High Court to list the petition on Tuesday; the court complied.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The DHCBA expresses its strongest disapproval of the excessive and disproportionate use of force against the protesting lawyers, including women advocates.” — DHCBA
- “The right to free speech has been quelled to a great extent… Jantar Mantar has been closed and no alternate site has been designated for today to protest. This is absolutely going to be a black day, we faced this in 1975 (when then PM Indira Gandhi had imposed Emergency)…” — ACJ Sambre, acting chief
On-the-Ground Reports
Lawyers gathered on the High Court lawns on October 12, reading the Constitution’s Preamble twice and reciting a poem on constitutional safeguards. Senior advocate Rajshekhar Rao led the recitation; advocate Swaty Singh Malik said she was pushed into a police van while carrying a copy of the Preamble, which was torn.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The Supreme Court noted the absence of a publicly available Section 163 order, while police cited internal guidelines limiting dharnas at Jantar Mantar to one day. No written notice of “house arrest” for activist Nadeem Khan was produced, leaving the claim of confinement unverified.
What’s Next
The Delhi High Court will hear the petitions on October 13 2026. The Supreme Court has also listed related matters, with the Union of India expected to file affidavits the same day. Both courts will address the legality of police restrictions and the right to peaceful assembly.