CBI officers asked for IDs: 3 lawyers free in assault case

The Bombay High Court has discharged three lawyers accused of assault and criminal force for asking CBI officers to display their ID cards during a 2007 search.

- Urvi Mahajani

The court noted that such a request does not constitute an offence under Section 353 of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with the offence of using criminal force or assault to prevent a public servant from performing their duty.

Justice Jadhav criticised law enforcement for blindly supporting the CBI's actions, stating, "The police have also blindly played a subservient role to the CBI officers by arresting the applicants without application of mind about the applicability of the section."

Justice Milind Jadhav, on November 21, also directed the state to pay Rs15,000 each to the three lawyers for the 17-year-long legal battle they endured in the matter, after noting that the trial had not even commenced despite a charge-sheet being filed.