Delhi Police ACP Manasvi Vashisht Suspended Following Protest Over Lawyer Dispute
Delhi Police suspended Assistant Commissioner of Police Manasvi Vashisth following a protest outside the police headquarters by approximately 150 officers demanding the revocation of his transfer.
Lawyers Launch Strike After Police Station Dispute
The disciplinary action stems from an October 23 incident at the Shahdara police station involving lawyer Lalit Bansal. During a dispute between legal practitioners and law enforcement officials, Bansal sustained a severe head injury. District court lawyers subsequently accused Vashisth, who was then posted as the Gandhi Nagar sub-divisional police officer, and Shahdara Station House Officer Arun Kumar of harassment and intimidation. An indefinite strike launched by local advocates ended on October 28 following the initial transfer orders for both officers.
Officers Gather at Headquarters Despite Stay Directives
Discontent over the administrative relocations mobilized within the force through messaging applications. Coordinators utilized WhatsApp groups to rally personnel to the headquarters. Despite directives issued by district deputy commissioners and unit heads instructing subordinates to stay away, about 150 officers gathered at the site on Monday.
Demonstrators Meet with Police Commissioner After Negotiations
New Delhi Deputy Commissioner Sachin Sharma responded to the scene to negotiate with Vashisth and the assembled staff, urging them to disperse and move inside the facility. The demonstrators maintained their positions, and a delegation subsequently met with Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar.
Delhi High Court Proceedings
Legal proceedings at the Delhi High Court addressed related remarks attributed to Vashisth. Advocates informed Acting Chief Justice Nitin Vasudeo Sambre and Justice Sanjay Sharma that the suspended assistant commissioner used derogatory terms regarding lawyers, including references to firearms and black coats. The bench declined to take immediate suo motu cognizance of the statements. The court instructed the legal representatives to file a formal petition to secure a hearing on the matter.