The Supreme Court of India has issued a directive to the Delhi Police, requesting an update on their investigation into the recent assault of a lawyer at his residence in the capital. The Court has mandated that a status report be submitted by an officer of at least the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), highlighting the urgency and seriousness of the situation.
This directive was issued by a Bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana. The Bench has also emphasized the importance of safeguarding the lawyer’s life and liberty, following an urgent oral appeal by Vikas Singh, President of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and Senior Advocate.
The incident in question involves Advocate Pankaj Sharma, an SCBA member, who was allegedly attacked by four individuals on July 11 within his home. The assault resulted in Sharma requiring eight stitches on his head. According to Sharma’s petition, the Delhi Police have been accused of acting under the influence of the accused, who purportedly have connections with a local politician. The petition claims that the police have not taken appropriate action against the perpetrators nor provided necessary security to the victim.
The plea further criticizes the police for failing to apply stringent legal provisions, such as Section 109 (attempt to murder) and Sections 117/118(2) (grievous hurt) under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The petition describes the police’s classification of the case as “simple assault” for a severe head injury as arbitrary and legally unsustainable, urging the Court to intervene and ensure that the authorities take appropriate measures.
Senior Advocate Vikas Singh, representing Sharma, informed the Court of the lack of arrests despite the severity of the injuries, criticizing the police for watering down the case by only filing charges of trespass. Singh emphasized the gravity of the situation by stating, “If this can happen in Delhi to a Supreme Court lawyer, what remains?”
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Attorney General R Venkataramani also acknowledged the seriousness of the matter, urging the Court to issue an immediate notice. The Supreme Court, in response, has sought a formal response from the Delhi Police regarding the investigation.
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