The Delhi High Court on Tuesday declined to take suo motu cognisance of alleged threatening remarks made by Delhi Police officer ACP Manasvi Vashishta against members of the legal fraternity, asking the lawyers to file a formal petition.

A Division Bench of Acting Chief Justice (ACJ) Nitin Wasudeo Sambre and Justice Sanjay Sharma assured the lawyers that the matter would be examined and directed them to file a petition seeking appropriate relief.

A group of lawyers mentioned the issue before the Acting Chief Justice, requesting the Court to initiate suo motu proceedings over the alleged threats.

They informed the Bench that remarks referring to lawyers as "goons in black coats" and references to AK-47 rifles had been made by the police officer.

"You [Acting Chief Justice] are our chief. If you take suo motu cognisance, we will be assured," the lawyers submitted.

However, the Court asked them to approach it through a formal petition and assured that the matter would be listed for hearing.

"You file a formal petition. We will look into it. We will order its listing. Give a copy to the Standing Counsel (Criminal) Sanjay Lao. I assure you that we will look into it. You give representation, but also file a formal petition," the Bench said.

The controversy involving ACP Manasvi Vashishta and Delhi lawyers began after advocate Lalit Bansal sustained a serious head injury in an alleged assault on October 23.

Following the incident, lawyers visited Shahdara Police Station, claiming that Vashishta and the Station House Officer (SHO) had assured them that the accused would be arrested but subsequently released them.

When the advocates returned to question the police action, Vashishta allegedly brandished his revolver and threatened them. The incident triggered an indefinite strike by district court lawyers, who demanded action against the police officers.

Vashishta and SHO Arun Kumar were transferred on October 28, following which the lawyers called off their strike.

The controversy resurfaced on November 2 when ACP Vashishta and other Delhi Police personnel staged a protest outside the police headquarters against the transfers. During the demonstration, certain remarks were allegedly made against lawyers.

Vashishta has since been suspended by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).