ACP Manasvi Vashisht, who led the protest outside the Delhi Police Headquarters on Monday, has been suspended. The Delhi Police shared this information with PTI. Having to deal with Gen-Z and opposition protests daily, the Delhi Police found itself on the receiving end of a protest this time.
What Was the Issue?
During a clash at the Shahdara police station on October 23, a lawyer named Lalit Bansal allegedly sustained head injuries.
Lawyers alleged that a senior police officer "brandished a loaded revolver" and threatened them. Following this, lawyers across district courts went on an indefinite strike.
On October 28, ACP Manasvi Vashisht and Shahdara SHO Arun Kumar were transferred. The lawyers called off their strike only after the transfer announcements were made.
What Happened at the Headquarters on Monday?
Around 100 police personnel, including those from the northeast district, began gathering outside the headquarters around 8:00 AM. This area is just 2 km from Parliament and protests are prohibited here.
Their placards demanded the cancellation of the transfers of both officers. Colleagues at the gate tried to stop them.
Around 1:30 PM, they entered the premises, sat on a sit-in protest, and chanted slogans of "Police Ekta Zindabad." Orders from senior officials were ignored.
New Delhi DCP Sachin Sharma appealed to them "not to behave like protestors."
Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar and all Special Commissioners of Police also arrived. A meeting named 'Sampark Sabha' began around 5:30 PM, drawing police personnel from other districts as well.
What Did Vashisht Say?
She stated, "Our demands are clear. We need to meet the Commissioner Sir. There should be an SOP to deal with such matters. If we are not safe inside police stations, how can we ensure the safety of others? If we do not get justice, how can we deliver it to others?"
Political Reactions
Mahua Moitra (TMC): Remarked that she was in Bengal, otherwise she would have joined the "Police vs Police" protest.
Sourav Das (CJP): Asked whether these police personnel would be made to sign 'peace bonds' on charges of disturbing public peace.
Neha Bora: Questioned in response to Zubair's post whether those protesting against the Delhi Police in a Section 163-imposed area would be detained.
A former Delhi Police Commissioner told 'The Telegraph' that they had never witnessed such an open protest inside the headquarters before.
Can Police Personnel Protest?
Under the Police-Forces (Restriction of Rights) Act, 1966, certain rights of police personnel are restricted to maintain discipline. They can challenge decisions through designated grievance redressal procedures and legal channels. There is a limited exception for service-condition-related meetings of recognized associations, but this does not imply general permission for street protests.
