New Delhi, Feb 21 : Supreme Court Chief Justice K. G. Balakrishnan, on Saturday expressed regret over the clash between the lawyers and police in the Madras High Court premises.

Reacting to the episode that has unfolded over the past two days, Chief Justice Balakrishnan told reporters here that he is still ascertaining the full facts and is in close touch with court authorities in Chennai.

He, however, dismissed the need for visiting Chennai for the purpose.

The advocates were protesting against the arrest of their colleagues in connection with an assault case.

The chain of events was set off when police tried to arrest some advocates who were involved in an attack on Janata Party President Subramanian Swamy.

Some advocates demanded the arrest of Swamy for abusing one of their colleagues on caste lines.

The heated arguments turned violent when police smashed vehicles parked in the court complex and advocates set a police station on fire.

Over 50 lawyers, a judge and several policemen were injured in the pitched battle, which lasted for several hours.

On Friday Tamil Nadu''s Director General of Police issued shoot-at-sight orders across the state against those trying to damage public property and creating disturbance to the general public.

Attempt to murder cases were also filed against 150 advocates. (ANI)