Tension Escalates At Saket Court As Lawyers Protest 'False FIR', Bar Police Entry
Saket Court lawyers protest against Delhi Police over a “false FIR” following an alleged assault. The Bar Association calls for a full strike, accusing police of bias and double standards.
Tensions flared at the Saket District Court complex on Friday as a large group of lawyers staged a protest against the Delhi Police, accusing the force of registering a "false and biased" FIR against several advocates. The protest, sparked by an alleged assault involving a police sub-inspector and members of the legal fraternity, has prompted a complete shutdown of legal work at the court on Saturday, July 19.
With a significant police presence deployed outside the court premises, senior officials were seen taking stock of the situation, attempting to maintain order amid growing unrest. However, the protesting lawyers remain resolute.
Saket Bar Association Secretary's Statement
“We are not in favor of strikes, but we’re left with no choice when faced with such blatant injustice,” said Saket Bar Association Secretary Anil Basoya. “A fellow advocate went to report illegal activities near his residence, but instead of registering his complaint, the sub-inspector allegedly assaulted him. Later, when the same officer encountered the lawyer at court, he tried to attack him again. Thankfully, others intervened.”
#WATCH | Delhi | Saket Court lawyers hold protest against Delhi Police over registration of an FIR on alleged assault on a Delhi Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) in the Saket Court premises
— ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2025
Police personnel deployed in large numbers outside the court premises as high-ranking officials… pic.twitter.com/V50wRoUlEQ
Basoya further alleged that despite the lawyer being the victim, the police turned the tables by filing an FIR against him and his colleagues. “There’s a clear pattern here—our complaints are ignored, but theirs are acted on immediately. If our demands are not met, we will continue this strike. Until then, police will not be allowed inside the court premises.”
FIR Sparks Backlash, Allegations of Police Double Standards
The Saket Bar Association (SBA) has accused the Delhi Police of unfair treatment, claiming that FIRs are swiftly registered when lawyers are accused, but conveniently delayed or dismissed when they are the complainants.
In a circular issued on Friday, the SBA announced a complete boycott of court proceedings—both physical and virtual—on Saturday. The document underscored what the association views as a pattern of systemic discrimination. “The Delhi Police is hyperactive when lawyers are on the receiving end of allegations, but deliberately inactive when complaints are filed by lawyers—especially against police personnel,” it read.
The SBA's leadership emphasized that this imbalance erodes trust in law enforcement and threatens the foundational principle of equality before the law. “Our members feel targeted and unsafe,” the circular stated. “This climate of fear and institutional bias cannot be allowed to persist.”
While the protest is expected to disrupt routine judicial proceedings, the association has made limited exceptions. Proxy counsel may appear in urgent matters to ensure that no litigant suffers undue harm or adverse orders during the boycott.
What Sparked the Outrage?
The controversy began on Thursday, when a Delhi Police sub-inspector alleged he was assaulted by a group of lawyers inside the Saket Court complex. The officer, who had arrived for a hearing related to an ongoing case, claimed that several advocates attacked him near Courtroom No. 508. He also alleged that his uniform was torn in the scuffle.
According to police sources, a PCR call reporting the incident was received at 2:53 PM. Responding units quickly arrived at the scene, and an FIR was registered based on the officer’s complaint. Authorities have since launched an investigation to identify those involved and establish the sequence of events.
However, the lawyers involved strongly deny the allegations, calling the FIR an act of retaliation and an attempt to malign their reputation.
What Happens Next?
With the strike in full effect on Saturday, court proceedings at Saket are expected to be significantly impacted. While tempers remain high, the Saket Bar Association has left the door open for resolution, stating that the protest will end if their demands for a fair inquiry and withdrawal of the FIR are met.
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