Police v/s lawyers: Delhi cops end protest after 11 hours
On Tuesday, Delhi witnessed unprecedented scenes with thousands of police officers taking to the streets demanding justice after some of them were assaulted by lawyers in Tis Hazari court last weekend. They raised slogans, wore black bands, and claimed no one really cares for them. After 11 hours, the agitation was finally called off after assurance from higher authorities. Here's what went down.
Two recent incidents triggered the never-seen-before agitation. On Saturday, nearly 20 cops and eight lawyers were injured after an altercation over parking space took a violent turn. One police vehicle was alighted. Delhi High Court, taking cognizance of the incident, suspended two officers and transferred two others. Then, on Monday, an on-duty policeman was seen being assaulted outside Saket District Court, infuriating the force.
Distressed with the twin incidents, hundreds of cops, some in uniform, some in civilian clothes, reached headquarters at ITO seeking action against the erring lawyers. As every hour passed, their agitation grew louder. So much so, that even the words of Delhi police commissioner Amulya Patnaik were drowned in it. In the afternoon, Patnaik reminded cops about their "responsibilities" but to no avail.
"Our demands are not unknown to anybody. Be it the common men, media, authorities or the society. The integrity of the Delhi Police stooped to a new low when we faced unproportionate punishment [in Tis Hazari incident]," a teary-eyed office told India Today.
The officers, who complained that authorities don't pay attention to their grievances, got support from their family members. Over 50 people held a candlelight march at India Gate yesterday. Kids carried placards demanding that the transfer of cops be revoked. "When I saw a video of the Saket assault on a constable, I was angry, but later I felt scared," wife of one officer told IE.
Later, Special Commissioner of Police (Crime) Satish Golcha requested officers to end the stir and promised a review plea will be filed against HC's order. The injured personnel will also get Rs. 25,000. The situation also got the attention of Lt Governor Anil Baijal, who is the Centre's representative in the National Capital. To note, Delhi police comes under Home Ministry, currently headed by Amit Shah.
According to a statement issued by Baijal's office, he was apprised about the protest by Special Commissioner (intelligence) Praveer Ranjan. Baijal said that police and lawyers are important pillars of the criminal justice system and they should work in harmony. "It's imperative to restore the trust between the two and also to ensure that justice is done impartially in the entire matter," he said.
As per PTI, the Centre isn't too pleased with how Tuesday's incidents panned out. The cops violated service conduct with their agitation. "There may be genuine grievances of the police but they have to be raised through proper channel. We can't allow a disciplined force to develop a mob mentality," a senior official said. He added police have bigger onus since they protect law.
