SC Orders Immediate Release of Lawyer Detained by Haryana STF in Murder Case

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New Delhi: In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered the immediate release of a lawyer arrested by the Haryana Police's special task force (STF) in connection with a murder case. The advocate, who has been representing one of the accused, alleged that his arrest was a blatant misuse of police power and a violation of constitutional protections of liberty. Senior advocate Vikas Singh, appearing for the petitioner, asserted that there was no evidence linking the lawyer to the offence and that his arrest was an abuse of process aimed at intimidating him for discharging his professional duties. The Supreme Court bench, led by Chief Justice of India Bhushan R Gavai, took note of the submissions and directed the immediate release of the lawyer. The court also issued a notice to the state of Haryana. The lawyer's arrest on October 31 had triggered strong reactions within the legal fraternity, with bar associations in Delhi abstaining from work in protest. The court's intervention comes days after two significant rulings that strengthened constitutional protections for the rights of the accused and reaffirmed the independence of the legal profession. The case has highlighted the importance of safeguarding the rights of lawyers and the accused, and ensuring that the independence of the legal profession is maintained. The Supreme Court's order is a significant step towards upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of individuals. The lawyer, who is currently lodged in Faridabad jail, had filed a petition seeking his immediate release and a judicial inquiry into the alleged 'illegal actions' of the STF. The petition also called for the quashing of all proceedings related to the FIR registered in the case.