The SCBA President Vikas Singh police lathi charge letter has urged the Prime Minister’s Office and the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to order a judicial inquiry into the alleged police action during the recent ‘Chalo Sansad’ student demonstrations.
Senior Advocate Vikas Singh, President of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), sent a formal representation to the central authorities. He alleged that law enforcement personnel used excessive and unprovoked force against protesters.
Singh sought a time-bound inquiry headed by a sitting or former judge of the Supreme Court. The proposed investigation would examine the alleged police action against demonstrators. It would also look into recurring examination paper leaks and irregularities in competitive examinations.
The SCBA President also sought the immediate suspension of the Delhi Police Commissioner. He further demanded disciplinary action against police officers who allegedly used unauthorized force during the demonstrations.
Singh’s letter detailed several alleged incidents of police high-handedness. It claimed that officers assaulted peaceful protesters, including members of the legal community. The representation also referred to the alleged assault of the son of Senior Advocate Sanjay Hegde.
The SCBA President cited video footage published by independent media platforms. He referred to reports by YouTuber Samdish and digital news outlets, including The Newslaundry, The Wire, and The Scroll.
The representation alleged police excesses against women and minors. It also mentioned the use of tear gas and riot-control units. Singh further alleged that police officers obstructed journalists from recording the incidents.
The letter also claimed that authorities targeted people who provided medical and humanitarian assistance to injured protesters. Singh described the alleged conduct as a serious threat to constitutional safeguards and the rule of law.
The SCBA President alleged that the police action violated statutory provisions and administrative guidelines. He specifically referred to Section 148 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS).
According to the representation, the provision requires authorities to consider lesser preventive measures before using force against assemblies. Singh also alleged violations of the Delhi Police Manual and other administrative rules.
The letter reportedly raised concerns about lathi charges above the waist. It also alleged that some officers failed to wear mandatory name tags during public-order duties.
Singh referred to the constitutional protections under Articles 19(1)(a) and 19(1)(b). These provisions protect freedom of speech and the right to assemble peacefully.
He also referred to Supreme Court decisions concerning police action during public demonstrations. According to Singh, police intervention must remain minimal and preventive. He argued that authorities cannot use force as a form of punishment.
The SCBA President Vikas Singh police lathi charge letter described excessive force as a serious infringement of fundamental rights.
Singh also addressed the broader issues behind the student demonstrations. He said recurring examination irregularities had pushed students to protest.
According to him, repeated paper leaks and administrative failures undermine equal opportunity. They also threaten the career prospects of students across the country.
Singh further raised concerns about the growing anxiety among students. He linked prolonged examination uncertainty to serious mental health pressures and self-harm risks.
The SCBA President’s position reflects growing concern within the legal community. The Supreme Court Bar Association has reportedly condemned the alleged police violence.
The Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) has also called for an independent investigation. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal has likewise criticised the alleged police conduct.
He demanded a fair and transparent inquiry into the incident. The calls for an independent probe have intensified demands for accountability over the alleged use of force during the ‘Chalo Sansad’ demonstrations.
