Supreme Court Orders Immediate Police Protection To Advocate Who Was Beaten At His Residence

The Supreme Court took on board a matter concerning a brutal physical assault on a Supreme Court advocate of twenty years' standing at his Delhi residence.

Mentioned urgently by Senior Advocate Vikas Singh, the writ petition highlighted a severe lapse in law enforcement after the victim was left with eight stitches on his head and subsequently threatened by the perpetrators to withdraw the initial First Information Report (FIR).

Recognizing the gravity of the threat to the safety of legal professionals and ordinary citizens alike, the Court issued notice and directed immediate interim police protection to secure the life and liberty of the victim.

The Bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana directed, "we have taken it on board. Attorney General of India is present...On our request, he enters an appearance...A status report with respect to the ongoing investigation, as well as the action taken, if any, and the second complaint made by the victim regarding the threat to him for the first FIR also be filed. A police officer, not below the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police may be...Meanwhile, we shall ensure that no harm is caused to the life and liberty of the victim."

Senior Advocate Viaks Singh appears for the Victim, while Attorney General R. Venkataramani appeared for the Union.

Singh argued, "Well, on the eleventh—twelfth—at his house. They lodged the FIR. The next day, those people came again and threatened him to withdraw the FIR. So, a second complaint was made. Till date, no arrest has been made. The people are going scot-free. If your Lordships could just see the photograph of this person. The FIR mentions simple hurt, but the FIR also speaks to a blood response. How is this trespass?I mean, if this can happen in Delhi to a Supreme Court lawyer, I don't understand how a common citizen will be any safer in this city. So, this writ was filed yesterday. I am requesting your Lordships to take it on board and call them immediately. Because if a common citizen—just see the plight of a common citizen—if this can happen to somebody else... and the FIR..."

Singh also pointed out that while the initial FIR only recorded charges of "simple hurt," the sheer severity of the head injury and the subsequent intimidation warranted a far more stringent criminal investigation.

Attorney General R. Venkataramani, who was present in court, entered an appearance at the request of the Bench to assist in the matter.

The Court said, "The records will note the concerns. We will seek an intervention, and let me formally issue a notice, as this is a serious matter."

Taking a grim view of the state of affairs, the Court formally took the matter on board and issued the directions.