Today, On 9th February, CJI Surya Kant said while condemning the alleged courtroom assault, where goons locked the room, that such ‘Gunda Raj is unacceptable,’ directing the lawyer to first make a complaint before the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant stated on Monday that “Gunda Raj” is unacceptable and advised a lawyer, who reported a physical assault within a courtroom at a district court on February 7, to approach the chief justice of the Delhi High Court.
The lawyer had requested an urgent hearing before a bench that included Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justices Joymalya Bagchi, and N V Anjaria.
A very serious issue was mentioned before the Supreme Court when a counsel appearing for an accused informed the Bench about a frightening incident that allegedly happened inside the Tis Hazari District Court.
While addressing the Bench, the lawyer said,
“I was appearing before the Tis Hazari court in a court of ADJ (Additional District Judge) Harjit Singh Pal. I was appearing on behalf of the accused. The complainant’s advocate, with many goons, attacked me…They hit me, and the judge was sitting right there. All members of the court were there,”
He explained the situation in detail and told the Supreme Court that the incident occurred while the presiding judge was in the courtroom.
The counsel said,
“My Lords, while the Judge was sitting in court, opposing counsels, accompanied by goons, entered the court premises. They locked the courtroom from inside. There was no police presence, no security whatsoever. My Lords, the atmosphere was one of intimidation and fear.”
The lawyer expressed fear over the safety of everyone present inside the court and highlighted the complete absence of security personnel during the incident.
The Supreme Court Bench headed by the Chief Justice of India responded immediately and advised the counsel to follow the proper procedure.
CJI said,
“First, go and make a formal complaint before the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court.”
The Supreme Court made it clear that the matter must first be taken before the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court since the issue concerns internal security and functioning of the district judiciary in Delhi.
The Bench also indicated that once a proper complaint is filed, the High Court can examine the facts and take suitable action.