The Supreme Court on Tuesday sought a status report from the Delhi Police regarding the investigation into the alleged assault of a Supreme Court advocate in the national capital.
Singh pointed out that the petitioner has been practicing before the Supreme Court for over 20 years.
He added that a second complaint was filed against the threats issued to him for the withdrawal of the FIR.
Yet, no arrests have taken place, and only less serious offences were invoked in the FIR, Singh lamented.
Attorney General for India R Venkataramani, who was present in the Court, shared the concerns raised by Singh.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday sought a status report from the Delhi Police regarding the investigation into the alleged assault of a Supreme Court advocate in the national capital.
The Court directed that the status report, along with details of the action taken on the victim's second complaint alleging threats to withdraw the FIR, be filed by a police officer not below the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police. The Bench also directed that adequate protection be ensured to the advocate.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana passed the order in a writ petition filed by advocate Pankaj Sharma.
Though the petition was not listed today, it was taken on board after it was orally mentioned by Senior Advocate Vikas Singh, the President of the SCBA. Singh pointed out that the petitioner has been practicing before the Supreme Court for over 20 years.
"Member of our Bar was beaten in his house...8 stitches on his head...he lodged FIR, next day people again came to house and threatened him to withdraw FIR...FIR says house trespass and simple hurt...it was a Supreme Court lawyer. If it can happen to a member of our bar, how will common citizen be safe in this country?" Singh submitted. He added that a second complaint was filed against the threats issued to him for the withdrawal of the FIR. Yet, no arrests have taken place, and only less serious offences were invoked in the FIR, Singh lamented.
Attorney General for India R Venkataramani, who was present in the Court, shared the concerns raised by Singh. "I join the concerns. Very serious matter. Notice may be issued on the writ," the Attorney General said.
The Court ordered :
"Let status report with respect to the ongoing investigation as well as any action taken on the second complaint made by the victim regarding the threat extended to him for withdrawal of the FIR be filed by a police officer not below the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police. Meanwhile, it should be ensured that no harm is caused to the victim."
The matter will be considered day after tomorrow.
