New Delhi, Aug 16 (IANS) Civil society members will approach the Supreme Court Tuesday against the "illegal" detention of activist Anna Hazare from his home by Delhi Police, said senior lawyer Prashant Bhushan.


"We will file a petition in the apex court today against the illegal detention of Anna Hazare and restrictions laid by the Delhi Police on his indefinite fast," Bhushan told reporters here.

Hazare, 74, was arrested early Tuesday from his home as he was about to set out for his fast in support of a strong Lokpal bill. Police also arrested his associates Arvind Kejriwal and Kiran Bedi.

"There was no section 144 at his house in Mayur Vihar. We can call it a preventive detention and we appeal to people to come out of their houses and start fast in support of Anna. Anna has started his fast at 10 a.m. at Officers Mess where he was kept after detention," said Bhushan.

He said that the government action was demeaning to democracy.

"Delhi Police cannot take him in preventive detention as we all have said that our agitation will be peaceful; we will not trouble anyone. But their action is like the killing of democracy," he said.

Bhushan said their petition will seek cancellation of restrictions laid by Delhi Police.

"We will not apply for bail of Annaji; let the government keep him in jail as long as they want," he added.

Team Anna will take out a rally from Pragati Maidan to J.P. Park at 4 p.m. Tuesday and a rally from India Gate to Parliament Wednesday against the Delhi Police action.