Delhi Lawyers Announce Strike After Haryana Police Arrests Advocate in Murder Case

The Coordination Committee of All Delhi District Court Bar Associations announced the strike, terming the arrest a “direct and deliberate attack on the independence of the legal profession.” Singh, who was representing an accused in a murder case registered in January 2024, was arrested by the Special Task Force (STF) of Gurugram Police based on a disclosure statement.

In a circular issued on Tuesday (November 4), the Committee said the arrest amounted to an attempt to intimidate and silence advocates from performing their professional duties without fear or favour. “Such conduct by the police authorities not only undermines the rule of law but also shakes the confidence of the legal fraternity at large,” the circular stated.

The Committee strongly condemned the action and demanded the “immediate and unconditional withdrawal” of the proceedings against Singh. It called upon all bar associations in Delhi to ensure full participation in the strike and abstain from court work.

Advocate Tarun Rana, convenor of the Coordination Committee, said the strike was being observed to protest the “arbitrary action of the police and the false implication” of an advocate acting in the course of his professional duty.

Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA) also issued a statement on November 4, condemning the action of the Gurugram STF, calling it a “gross misuse of power” and “an attack on the independence of the legal profession.”

“The Executive Committee of the DHCBA stands in solidarity with our member, Advocate Vikram Singh, and demands that the false proceedings against him be immediately withdrawn and those responsible be held accountable,” the statement read.

Both the Coordination Committee and the DHCBA have reiterated that every advocate has the right to discharge professional duties without fear or intimidation, and any interference in that right strikes at the heart of the rule of law.