The Supreme Court on Monday expressed serious concern over an alleged assault on a lawyer inside the Tis Hazari court complex in Delhi, terming incidents of violence within court premises as “gunda raj” and a failure of the rule of law.

The matter was mentioned before a Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice N.V. Anjaria. The advocate informed the Court that he had been attacked by the complainant’s counsel and others inside the courtroom of an Additional District Judge on February 7.

According to the lawyer, the incident occurred while he was appearing for the accused, and the presiding judge was present in the courtroom at the time. He alleged that he was physically assaulted by a group accompanying the opposing counsel.

Taking note of the seriousness of the allegation, CJI Surya Kant observed that such incidents could not be tolerated. “This kind of gunda raj is not acceptable to us. That means it is a failure of the rule of law,” he remarked.

The Bench enquired whether the matter had been brought to the notice of the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court. On being informed that no such step had been taken, the Court directed the advocate to approach the High Court Chief Justice on the administrative side.

The Court asked the advocate to follow the prescribed procedure and report back after approaching the Delhi High Court.

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