Delhi HC Tells Lawyers: File Formal Petition Over ACP's 'Threatening' Remarks
Delhi High Court asks lawyers to file a formal petition over alleged threatening remarks made by suspended ACP Manasvi Vashishtha.
The Delhi High Court has declined to take suo motu cognisance of the alleged threatening and derogatory remarks made by suspended Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Manasvi Vashishtha against members of the legal community. Instead, the court has directed the aggrieved lawyers to follow the formal legal process to seek redress.
A division bench, consisting of Acting Chief Justice Nitin Wasudeo Sambre and Justice Sanjay Sharma, heard the matter when a group of lawyers sought immediate judicial intervention. While the bench refused to act on its own motion, it assured the legal counsel that the matter would be examined and listed for hearing once a formal petition is filed. The court further instructed the lawyers to serve a copy of their representation to the Standing Counsel (Criminal), Sanjay Lao.
Allegations of 'AK-47' Threats and Insults
The lawyers appearing before the bench expressed deep concern over the language allegedly used by ACP Vashishtha. According to the submissions, the suspended officer used derogatory terms to describe legal professionals, specifically referring to them as "Kaale coat ke gunde" (goons in black coats). More alarmingly, the lawyers alleged that the officer used threatening language involving references to "AK-47" rifles.
The Root of the Conflict: The Shahdara Incident
The current legal battle is the culmination of a series of volatile events that began on October 23, 2026. Tensions flared at the Shahdara police station following an alleged assault on advocate Lalit Bansal, leading to a heated altercation between police personnel and lawyers.
In the aftermath of the clash, administrative action was taken on October 28, 2026, resulting in the transfer of both ACP Manasvi Vashishtha and Station House Officer (SHO) Arun Kumar.
Protests and Suspension
The situation escalated further on November 2, 2026, when ACP Vashishtha did not accept the transfer quietly. He reportedly led a protest consisting of police personnel outside the Delhi Police Headquarters to oppose the transfer orders.
This act of defiance led to swift action from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), which suspended ACP Vashishtha on grounds of "violation of discipline."
Demands for Criminal Action
Despite the suspension, the legal fraternity remains unsatisfied. The Central Delhi court bar association is currently pushing for more stringent measures, demanding the registration of a formal criminal case against the suspended officer and a time-bound, independent inquiry into his conduct.