The Supreme Court sought a status report from the Delhi Police on the alleged assault of a Supreme Court advocate by his neighbours. It directed a Deputy Commissioner-level officer to submit details of the investigation and action on the victim’s threat complaint.
The Supreme Court requested a status report from the Delhi Police concerning the investigation into an alleged assault on a Supreme Court advocate by his neighbours.
Led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, a bench directed that the status report along with full details of the action taken on the victim’s second complaint alleging threats to withdraw the FIR be submitted by a police officer not below the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police.
The bench also instructed that adequate protection be provided to the advocate.
Senior Advocate Vikas Singh, while mentioning the matter orally, told the court that an advocate from their Bar had been attacked at his residence.
He stated,
“A member of our bar was attacked at his house. He got stitches on his head.. he has 11 years standing. No one arrested. They came and threatened him again to withdraw the FIR or there will be consequences..If this happens in Delhi to a supreme court lawyer then..”
The Attorney General echoed concern over the allegations, adding,
“This is a serious matter. We join in the prayers..please issue notice.”
The bench then ordered,
“On oral mention matter taken on board. AG Venkataramani appears. Let status report about the investigation and status of second complaint made by the victim be also filed by a police officer not below rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police,”
In April, a bench led by the CJI had initiated a suo motu case after a brutal assault on Advocate Madhu, a lawyer based in Karkardooma, by her husband and in-laws. Court was informed that the lady advocate was brutally stabbed in her husband’s office, after which she made a PCR call seeking help. It was further stated today that hospitals had refused to treat her injuries.
Separately, the Supreme Court Women Lawyers Association (SCWLA) condemned the barbaric attempt to murder and demanded the immediate arrest of the accused, asserting that any delay amounts to a failure on the part of the Delhi Police.
In its letter, SCWLA said
“This was not a mere domestic dispute; it was a savage, premeditated attempt to silence and eliminate a dedicated officer of the court within the supposed safety of the National Capital,”