The Supreme Court sought a response from the Delhi Police on a writ petition filed by a Supreme Court advocate, Pankaj Sharma alleging that he was brutally assaulted at his residence and subsequently threatened to withdraw the FIR registered in the matter.

The matter was mentioned before a Bench comprising CJI Surya Kant, Justice V. Mohana and Justice Joymalya Bagchi by Senior Advocate Vikas Singh, who informed the Court that the advocate, having over 20 years of standing at the Bar, had sustained serious head injuries requiring eight stitches.

Senior Advocate Singh submitted that the assault took place on July 11 and that an FIR was registered. However, according to him, the accused returned to the advocate’s residence the very next day and allegedly threatened him with dire consequences if he did not withdraw the complaint. He further contended that despite the gravity of the incident, no arrests had been made and the FIR had allegedly recorded only simple injuries.

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Expressing concern, counsel argued that if such an incident could occur with a Supreme Court lawyer in the national capital, it raised serious questions about the safety of ordinary citizens. He urged the Court to direct immediate action and provide police protection to the petitioner in view of the alleged threats.

Taking note of the submissions, the Court directed that notice be issued to the Commissioner of Police regarding the status of the investigation and the action taken on the complaint. The Court also directed that the petitioner be provided appropriate police protection in the meantime to ensure that no harm is caused to him.

The matter is likely to be taken up again after the police files its response.