'AK-47' and 'Black Coat Goons': Delhi HC on ACP Manasvi Vashishtha’s Alleged Slurs
The Delhi High Court declines suo motu cognisance of ACP Manasvi Vashishtha's alleged remarks but asks lawyers to file a formal petition.
The Delhi High Court has directed a group of aggrieved lawyers to submit a formal petition regarding alleged threatening and derogatory remarks made by Delhi Police ACP Manasvi Vashishtha. While the legal fraternity sought immediate judicial intervention, the court declined to take suo motu cognisance of the matter at this stage.
The Allegations: 'Kaale Coat Ke Gunde'
The matter came to light when lawyers mentioned the issue before a bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Nitin Wasudeo Sambre and Justice Sanjay Sharma. The advocates expressed deep concern over the language allegedly used by the ACP, claiming that members of the legal profession were targeted with offensive labels.
According to the lawyers, the ACP allegedly used phrases such as “Kaale coat ke gunde” (goons in black coats) and made references to “AK-47”, which the legal fraternity viewed as threatening and derogatory.
“You are our chief. If you take suo motu cognisance, we will be assured,” one lawyer pleaded with the Acting Chief Justice, urging the court to intervene directly to protect the dignity of the profession.
Court's Directive: File a Formal Petition
Despite the urgency expressed by the advocates, the bench maintained that a proper legal process must be followed. The court assured the lawyers that once a formal petition is filed, it would be examined thoroughly.
The bench instructed the lawyers to:
- File a formal petition regarding the alleged remarks.
- Provide a copy of the representation to the Standing Counsel (Criminal), Sanjay Lao.
Justice Sambre assured the group, stating, “You file a formal petition, we will look into it. We will order its listing.”
The Backdrop: Clash at Shahdara Police Station
The current tension is rooted in an incident that occurred on October 23, involving a confrontation between Delhi Police personnel and lawyers at a police station in east Delhi’s Shahdara. This face-off sparked a series of events that strained the relationship between the two groups.
Protests and Suspension
The friction escalated on Monday when a group of Delhi Police personnel, led by ACP Manasvi Vashishtha, gathered outside the Delhi Police Headquarters on Jai Singh Road. The officers were seeking a meeting with Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar to discuss the aftermath of the Shahdara incident.
Reports indicate that the gathering was a protest against departmental action taken against the ACP and another officer following the October 23 clash. Following these developments, it has been reported that ACP Manasvi Vashishtha has been suspended.