Police and Lawyers Are Two Limbs of Justice System: Rajasthan High Court Takes Suo Motu Cognizance in Police Misconduct Incident

“Manhandling of Lawyers in Police Station Is Unacceptable”, In a strong message against police high-handedness and to uphold the dignity of the legal profession, the Rajasthan High Court at Jodhpur took suo motu cognizance of a viral video showing a lawyer being manhandled by the SHO of Kudi Bhagtasani Police Station, Jodhpur, in the presence of his wife—also a lawyer—and a rape victim they were assisting.

A Division Bench of Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma and Justice Baljinder Singh Sandhu converted the oral mentioning by the Rajasthan High Court Advocates’ Association and Lawyers’ Association into a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) and directed:

“The incident is most unfortunate... The lawyer community has been agitated by such incident... The SHO has actually misbehaved... needs to be trained for soft skills.”

“Lawyers Cannot Be Intimidated While Discharging Professional Duties” – Court Demands Departmental Action

Calling the incident a “serious breach of professional dignity”, the Court observed that the advocate had only objected to procedural irregularities in the recording of a rape victim’s statement. Instead of addressing the concern, the SHO allegedly pushed the lawyer into a room, leading to a confrontation that was captured on video and widely circulated.

The Court recorded the personal appearance of Commissioner of Police Mr. Om Prakash, who acknowledged the lapse and assured that departmental action would be initiated. The Court directed:

“We expect a report from the Commissioner... on what departmental action has been taken against the concerned officials including the SHO.”

“Police Must Be Trained in Soft Skills and Sensitivity” – Court Expands Scope to State-Wide Reform

The Court did not limit its concern to the Jodhpur incident alone. Emphasizing the need for systemic change, the Bench held:

“Police officials are required to be given thorough soft skill training... This should not be confined to Jodhpur but extend to all districts... The Police Academy must be informed.”

This directive reflects a larger institutional concern with how law enforcement interfaces with the legal community and victims, particularly in sensitive cases like sexual assault.

“Coordination Committees Between Bar, Police, and Judiciary Must Be Revived” – Court Enforces Bharat Yadav Precedent

Referring to its earlier judgment in Bharat Yadav v. State of Rajasthan (2019 SCC OnLine Raj 782), the Bench recalled that similar police misconduct had occurred in 2019 and directions were issued for formation of Coordination Committees at the district level.

However, noting non-implementation, the Court expressed disapproval and ordered:

“Coordination Committees at each district shall be formed afresh... with participation from the Bar, Police, and Judiciary... Details to be submitted to this Court on the next date.”

The Court quoted from the 2019 order, reiterating:“A Coordination Committee at each district level should be functioning so that matters may not travel up to the High Court.”

“Police and Lawyers Must Function with Mutual Respect” – Court Reaffirms Institutional Roles

In one of the most notable observations of the judgment, the Bench underscored the collaborative nature of the justice system:“Advocates and police personnel are two limbs of the same justice delivery system... They must act in tandem with mutual respect and cooperation.”

The Bench added that while police have to act strongly in many situations, such behaviour is unacceptable when dealing with officers of the court.

Case Registered as PIL – Directions to DGP, Compliance Report Sought

On the oral mention of the Bar Associations, the Court formally registered the case as a PIL and issued notice to the State Government and Commissioner of Police. It directed that a compliance report on disciplinary action and formation of committees be submitted by the next date of hearing—8 December 2025.

Additionally, the Court ordered: “A copy of this order shall be sent to the Commissioner of Police and Director General of Police.”

• Court takes suo motu cognizance of a viral video showing alleged police misconduct with lawyers inside a police station.

• Commissioner of Police appears in person, admits lapse, and promises action.

• Court directs departmental proceedings against erring SHO and other staff.

• Orders state-wide soft skills training for police personnel handling sensitive cases.

• Revives and mandates Coordination Committees across all districts for institutional conflict resolution.

• Reiterates that advocates performing professional duties must not be subjected to intimidation.

Date of Order: 02 December 2025

Next Hearing: 08 December 2025