Supreme Court directs assaulted lawyers to Delhi High Court for CBI probe plea

The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed lawyers allegedly assaulted during protests against Bar Council of India (BCI) chairman Manan Mishra to approach the Delhi High Court with their plea for a CBI probe and preservation of CCTV footage from the August 20-21 incidents. A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana said the high court was the appropriate forum since the alleged assaults occurred at the BCI office in New Delhi. The court told advocate Prashant Bhushan that lawyers have an equally efficacious remedy available and should not bring every matter to the Supreme Court. The court acknowledged lawyers' right to protest but stressed higher standards for officers of the court. Bhushan withdrew the petition to approach the high court. The development follows the court's tighter oversight of BCI functioning and questions over Mishra's continuance as chairman.