Senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officers took to Twitter to express their dismay and anger following the incident outside Saket court in South Delhi on Monday when a policeman riding a motorcycle was beaten up by men who appeared to be lawyers. The immediate reason was not known.
On Saturday, violence erupted at Tis Hazari courts in North Delhi between police and lawyers following a parking row in which 21 police personnel and eight lawyers were injured. As many as 14 motorcycles, one police car, were burnt and eight prison vans were damaged.
In a special hearing on Sunday, the Delhi High Court ordered a judicial inquiry by a retired High Court judge into the clash and directed that "no coercive action should be taken against any lawyer on the basis of the FIRs lodged at the behest of police officials".
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Sharing a video of the Tis Hazari incident where a policeman is seen being dragged and beaten by over 50 lawyers in the court premises, senior IPS officer Aslam Khan posted on Twitter, "Any opinion? This was starting point of tussle what I could guess. For how long police will be at receiving end just because they have no support and leadership."
Another IPS officer Sanjukta Parashar concurred, "This video is very disturbing on all levels. The protests after this are bizaree. We, of course, must maintain impartiality and equanimity. But can we call a spade a spade please. Its high time."
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Abhinav Kumar who is posted in Jammu & Kashmir, wrote on Twitter, "As a proud policeman serving in Kashmir, recent HC order in the clash of lawyers & police is demoralizing for police all over India. Lawless acts by lawyers are also clearly available in the public domain. Delhi HC, please take action on them too." He tagged Delhi Police and the IPS Association.
Renuka Mishra, another senior IPS officer posted, "Precisely. Nobody can be above the law.
"It is sad that police officers doing their duty are being prejudged without an opportunity to defend themselves. Karo, tab bhi maro ? We have seen CCTV footage too. What excuse do the lawyers have for breaking the law."