Supreme Court Refuses To Entertain Plea Seeking CBI Probe In Uttam Nagar Death Case; Asks Victim’s Family to Approach Delhi Police Commissioner First

The Supreme Court declined to issue directions in a plea concerning the brutal death of 27-year-old Tarun Butolia in Delhi’s Uttam Nagar area during the Holi festival and asked the victim's family to approach the Delhi Police Commissioner.

The Court noted that issues regarding the safety and security of the victim's family are administrative matters that the Delhi Police is equipped to examine.

The Bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vipul M Pancholi ordered, "The petitioners have sought certain directions with respect to an unfortunate incident that took place on 4th March 2026, resulting in the untimely death of a 27-year-old young individual, besides multiple injuries to other persons. We find that some of the directions sought are essentially administrative issues, safety and security of individuals of the victim's families. This aspect can be well examined by the Delhi Police, for which we grant liberty to the commissioners to submit a comprehensive representation to the Commissioner of Police. There is no gainsaying that the police authority is fine, will take appropriate steps. If the Petitioners' prayers are not satisfied, they have the liberty to approach the appropriate forum."

Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain appeared for the Petitioner.

Jain, argued that the incident was not merely a localized accident but a failure of public safety protocols that required "remedial measures" as outlined in the landmark Tahseen Poonawalla judgment.

Jain said, "Because of a water balloon, a brutal incident of lynching has happened and a boy has lost his life. In the Tehseen Poonawalla case."

Chief Justice said, "You do not know, Mr. Jain, or probably you know very well that every day CBI people they come and raise their hand, their hands are pulled, they don't have to...Investigation is going on, isn't it, investigation is going on, Delhi Police is fair police, don't demoralize the entire forces like this, if you start accusing, how themorale…"

Jain said, "My intention is not to demoralize Delhi Police or anyone, my intention is to protect the family."

As per the reports, Butolia's sister threw a water balloon at a lady-neighbour living nearby and splashed colored water on her. This led to a brutal clash between the families which led to the death of Tarun. Delhi Police is now investigating the matter.

Cause Title: Hari Shankar Jain vs Union Of India [W.P.(C) No. 336/2026]