The Madras High Court on Monday directed Bar Councils across the country to collect data on lawyers facing criminal records, warning that rising criminality in the legal profession could taint both the image of the bar and the justice delivery system. Justice D. Bharatha Chakravarthy issued the order while hearing a petition, though the specific case details were not disclosed. Separately, the Delhi High Court refused to remove a police officer who allegedly slapped a woman protester, with Justice Girish Kathpalia orally observing that any wrongdoing by the officer must be dealt with according to law, but the court cannot assume guilt before a fair trial. The judge stressed that removing the officer would be inappropriate at this stage. Both rulings underscore the judiciary's role in addressing misconduct while ensuring due process.