The Delhi High Court on Wednesday warned of severe consequences for organising any protest in court premises. The acting Chief Justice Manmohan remarked that the court cannot be withheld or stopped and anyone who does that will add to their own peril.
"Consequences are very severe for organising a protest in court," the Delhi High Court warned.
Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) legal cell on Tuesday had given a call for protest in district courts against the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in connection with the alleged Delhi Liquor Policy scam.
On Wednesday, the same was mentioned before the bench of Chief Justice Manmohan of Delhi High Court. He further said that the law laid down by the Supreme Court will be applied and there will be serious consequences.
"You cannot take away someone's fundamental right," the court said.
On Tuesday, a message was circulated stating that the AAP legal cell will be organising a protest in Delhi High Court and other trial courts in Delhi against Arvind Kejriwal's arrest. A call was given to lawyers to assemble at their respective courts.
"The Aam Aadmi Party Legal Cell has decided to protest in all the courts of Delhi tomorrow at 12 PM at different locations across Delhi. Delhi High Court , Patiala House Court , Dwarka Court , Saket Court, Karkardooma Court , Tishazari Court , Rouse Avenue court. Spread the word. Lawyers in proper dress please assemble at their respective courts," the message read.Following this a complaint was also filed against the call for protest in the court.
The complaint further said that by advocating for a strike and calling for protest in court premises Mr. Sanjiv Nasiar, Mr. Rishikesh Kumar and Legal Cell of Aam Aadmi Party has breached the duty of an advocate to uphold the rule of law, maintain professional decorum, and prioritize the interests of clients over personal or collective grievances.
"That calling for protest is a professional misconduct and against the catena of Supreme Court Judgements. That calling for protest in court premises will disrupts court proceedings, denies justice to clients, and violates the principles of professional ethics. That Hon’ ble Supreme Court in Landmark decision of Ex-Capt. Harish Uppal vs Union of India has held that: -The Hon’ble Court has held that lawyers have no right to go on strike or give a call for boycott, not even on a token strike. The protest, if any is required, can only be by giving press statement, TV interview, carrying out of court premises banner and/or place cards, wearing black or white or any colour armband, peaceful protest marches outside and away from court premises, etc," read the complaint.