Advocates Vikas Singh and Mehmood Pracha extend legal support to students; lawyers read Constitution’s Preamble in solidarity with protesters
New Delhi : The controversy over the alleged lathi charge on protesters near Jantar Mantar and Parliament House on 20 June 2026 has taken a legal turn, with several senior advocates coming forward to express solidarity with the protesting students and raising concerns over the police action. It includes advocates like Indira Jaising , Vikas Singh, Mehmood Pracha and many other.
A group of senior lawyers, including prominent Supreme Court advocates, visited Jantar Mantar and extended their support to the protesting youths, assuring them of legal assistance. The advocates also read the Preamble of the Constitution of India at the protest site, highlighting their commitment to constitutional values of justice, liberty, equality, and dignity.
Meanwhile, senior Supreme Court advocate Vikas Singh briefed the media regarding the hearing before the Delhi High Court on a petition challenging the alleged police action against protesters.
Explaining the matter, Vikas Singh said that one of the petitions was filed by a lawyer who was present at the protest site and was an eyewitness to the events.
According to him, the protesters were peacefully demonstrating against issues related to the education system, particularly concerns surrounding NEET and other public examinations, where allegations of corruption and paper leaks have been reported.
He said that the students were demanding serious action as public confidence in the examination system was being affected.
Vikas Singh alleged that despite the peaceful nature of the protest, the demonstrators were suddenly subjected to a lathi charge by police personnel.
Explaining the legal procedure related to maintaining law and order, he said that when restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (BNS), equivalent to the earlier Section 144, are imposed, authorities are required to follow a proper procedure before taking action.
He stated that police must clearly display the restrictions through proper announcements and banners, inform protesters about the order, and give them an opportunity to disperse peacefully.
He further said that the entire incident should be videographed, including the actions of both protesters and police personnel, so that responsibility for any escalation can be objectively determined.
According to Vikas Singh, even after a warning, if protesters refuse to disperse, police action must follow the principle of minimum force.
He said, “When you say minimum action, it means that only necessary force can be used and strikes should not be aimed at vital parts of the body.”
The senior advocate added that the Delhi High Court has directed authorities to preserve CCTV footage related to the incident and sought a response from the police regarding the circumstances that led to the lathi charge and injuries to protesters.
Mehmood Pracha Extends Legal Support to Protesters
Senior Supreme Court advocate Mehmood Pracha also reached Jantar Mantar and expressed solidarity with the protesting students. He assured the protesters that lawyers would provide all possible legal assistance in their fight for justice.
Addressing the gathering and media persons, Pracha strongly criticised alleged excesses during the protest and said that accountability would be ensured through constitutional and legal mechanisms.
He said:
“Every single corrupt police officer is being recorded on video. We will not spare them. The Constitution of India will not spare them.”
He further stated that those responsible for alleged excesses would face legal consequences.
“Those who have committed these excesses will be handpicked and the Constitution and law of India will ensure they are sent to jail. We, the lawyers, are the tools of that process.”
Pracha said that lawyers would stand with the protesters and provide them legal protection.
“Lawyers will stand here like a shield. You want to take any legal action? No problem. No one will raise a stick.”
Appealing to honest police officers, Pracha urged them to ensure that unlawful actions are prevented and maintain records of any wrongdoing by officials.
He said that responsible police personnel should document incidents and preserve evidence so that the rule of law remains protected.
Highlighting his experience in legal matters, Pracha said:
“Our job as lawyers is to take on all those who are shedding the blood of children here, breaking bones, attacking them, and filing false cases. I have the most experience in this country in getting children out of these false cases.”
Constitutional Debate Over Protest Handling
The developments have intensified the debate over the handling of student protests and the role of law enforcement agencies during demonstrations.
While protesters and supporting lawyers have questioned the proportionality of police action, authorities are expected to present their response before the court regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The matter is now being closely watched as the legal proceedings continue in the Delhi High Court, where issues related to police procedure, use of force, and protection of citizens’ constitutional rights are likely to remain central.