Supreme Court Orders Police Report on Attack on Lawyer in Delhi
The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the Delhi Police to file a status report on an alleged assault on a lawyer practising in the top court, following claims of police inaction and threats to the victim's life. A Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant also instructed the police to provide adequate security to the lawyer.
The victim, advocate Pankaj Sharma, was attacked on July 11 at his residence in the national capital, sustaining grievous head injuries requiring stitches. He accused the Delhi Police of failing to act promptly or register a proper First Information Report (FIR). The petitioner alleged that the accused is close to a local politician, influencing the investigation.
Supreme Court Bar Association President Vikas Singh, who brought the incident to the court's attention, produced photographs of the lawyer's injuries. Singh argued that if a Supreme Court lawyer could be attacked with impunity, the safety of ordinary citizens is also at risk. Attorney General R. Venkataramani, present in court, described the incident as a matter of serious concern.
Sharma's petition stated that despite repeated requests, the police initially refused to register an FIR. When an FIR was eventually filed, it only mentioned 'simple assault', even though the injuries were dangerous to life. The petition called this a systemic failure violating Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty.
The court ordered that the status report be submitted by an officer not below the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police. The case has been listed for further hearing on July 16. The bench also directed the police to ensure the safety of the petitioner and his family.
