Lawyers Shut Courts, Want Delhi Police Protesters Arrested

The face-off between the lawyers and police of Delhi escalated today with protesting lawyers forcing all the lower courts shut. A lawyer also sent a legal notice to the Delhi police chief for yesterday's marathon protests, insisting it was illegal and the protesters should be arrested within a week. The chairman of the Bar Council of India has assured action against anyone resorting to violence. "The police want full freedom to act against advocates. The police say they would withdraw security of judges and it is one of their demands. To abuse courts is not right," he said. The Delhi High Court dismissed petitions from both lawyers and the Centre, saying its November 3 order will not affect the judicial inquiry.