SC orders immediate release of Delhi lawyer held by Haryana STF

The Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered the immediate release of Delhi-based advocate Vikram Singh, who was arrested by the Gurugram Police's Special Task Force in connection with a murder case. The Bench of Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justices K. Vinod Chandran and N.V. Anjaria directed that Singh be released forthwith on furnishing a bail bond of ₹10,000 and listed the matter for further hearing next Wednesday. The Registrar (Judicial) was also asked to communicate the order to the Gurugram Police Commissioner for immediate compliance.

Singh's counsel, senior advocate Vikas Singh, who is also president of the Supreme Court Bar Association, contended that the arrest reflected coercive police action and highlighted that the arrestee must be informed of grounds of arrest in writing in a language understood by him, citing a recent Supreme Court judgment. The court heard these submissions and issued notices to the Haryana and Delhi Governments as well as the Bar Council of India.

The Bench observed that the petitioner is an advocate and is unlikely to evade the process of law, granting interim protection and directing the release on a ₹10,000 bail bond. The matter was fixed for the next hearing on November 19. Protests from bar associations underscored concerns about police practices in similar arrests, prompting questions about due process and the protection of liberty under the Constitution.

The judgment and proceedings reflect continued judicial scrutiny of arrest practices and reinforce the court’s stance on safeguarding the rights of those in the legal profession, even in high-profile investigations.

Cover image source: Supreme Court raps Uttarakhand High Court for staying prosecution of former Director of Corbett Tiger Reserve over illegal tree-felling 🔗

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