The Supreme Court today took suo motu cognizance of a shocking case involving the brutal stabbing of a woman lawyer practising in Karkardooma Courts, by her husband, directing urgent investigation, tracing of missing children, and immediate financial assistance to the victim.
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According to submissions, the victim was “brutally stabbed with a sharp-edged weapon” at her husband’s workplace and initially denied treatment at multiple hospitals before being admitted to AIIMS Trauma Centre. The Court noted serious lapses in emergency care and directed:
“Please find out why the hospital denied emergency medical treatment?”
The bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi was informed that the husband, identified as the prime accused, has been arrested and remanded to custody, while the in-laws are currently absconding. The case also brought out concerns regarding the victim’s children: two minor daughters, aged 4 years and 1 year, were taken away by the in-laws and their whereabouts remain unknown. The eldest daughter, aged 12, was left outside a residence at night following the incident and was later found and taken into protection by the police.
Taking the gravity of the situation into account, the Court directed that the investigation be handled by a senior officer, preferably a woman, and ordered authorities to locate the missing children with support from child counsellors.
Additionally, the Court observed that if the children currently with their grandmother are being properly cared for, the existing arrangement may continue temporarily until further orders are passed in subsequent hearings.
Recognising the victim’s condition and financial distress, the Court ordered interim compensation under the NALSA Victim Compensation Scheme, stating:
“Given all the appending circumstances and the fact that the victim is seemingly in dire need of some financial assistance, especially to undergo treatment and to look after her minor daughters, we direct the Delhi State Legal Civil Authority and also the National Authority to its member secretary to release an interim victim compensation,…in favour of the victim, the amount shall be immediately transferred to her bank account by tomorrow.”
The Court also directed a status report on denied medical treatment and ensured that the custody of the rescued child remains with maternal family members for the time being.