Chief Justice Surya Kant urges courts stay clear of politics amid Delhi protests

Chief Justice Surya Kant addressed the Supreme Court Bar Association, insisting that the apex court remain insulated from the political turmoil surrounding the Delhi protests and that its functioning, as well as the movement of lawyers, staff, and litigants, stay unhindered. He affirmed that bar members could protest, but only at authorized locations, and consented to list a new petition about lawyer detentions and internet restrictions.

The comments came after a special bench led by Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana issued directives to safeguard peaceful protest, maintain metro and railway services, and keep internet connectivity intact. Senior advocates raised concerns about alleged police detentions and mistreatment of lawyers such as Dinesh Dwivedi and Shadan Farasat. The opposition, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, planned a march to the court to submit a memorandum on electoral irregularities and police actions, a request the CJI declined citing pending cases. The court is set to revisit the matters on Tuesday.