The Delhi High Court, on Monday, took serious note of misconduct by Sub-inspector (SI) Narinder of Police Station, Okhla Industrial Area, who reportedly verbally abused and intimidated lawyers outside the courtroom.
Counsel for the appellant and the complainant were verbally threatened and intimidated by the police officer, and even a senior counsel assisting the court faced similar treatment. The Court observed that such behaviour “cannot be countenanced under any circumstances”, emphasising that a police officer is expected to be a protector of the law, not a predator.
The Court directed Inspector Kishore Kumar, PS South Rohini, to register a zero FIR immediately under the relevant penal provisions, with the investigation to be handled by an officer not below the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP). The Commissioner of Police shall be forwarded with the copy of order and he was requested to ensure appropriate supervision of the investigation.
During the hearing, the learned APP for the State, Mr. Sanjeev Sabharwal, informed the Court that SI Narinder had tendered an unconditional apology, and has requested leniency. The Court accepted the apology but required it to be submitted in writing via an affidavit, to be filed the following day.
Appearances
Petitioner- Mr. Himanshu Gupta, Advocate DHCLSC
Respondent- Mr. Sanjeev Sabharwal, APP for State with SI Narinder, PS Okhla Industrial Area Mr.Arun Khatri and Ms.Shelly Dixit, Advocate for Complainant DHCLSC
