The High Court of Delhi on September 22, 2025, took cognizance of misconduct by a police officer within its premises, directing the registration of a Zero FIR against a Sub-Inspector of Police for being verbally abusive and intimidating lawyers. Justice Arun Monga, after initially ordering an investigation by a senior officer, later modified the order, directing the Sub-Inspector to submit a written apology by way of an affidavit.
Background of the Incident
The matter arose from a “joint verbal complaint” made by the counsel for the appellant/convict and the counsel for the complainant in the case of Crl.A. 284/2025, Rameshwar v. State Govt. of NCT of Delhi. The lawyers reported an “unsavoury incident” that took place just outside the entrance of the courtroom involving the Investigating Officer in the case, Sub-Inspector (SI) Narinder.
According to the complaint noted in the court’s order, SI Narinder was “not only verbally abusive with the learned counsel for the applicant as well as the complainant, but also intimidated and threatened them with dire consequences, just short of physically assaulting them.” The order further notes that when a senior counsel present in the matter attempted to intervene, “he was meted out with similar treatment.”
Court’s Initial Analysis and Directions
Taking immediate cognizance of the complaint, the High Court expressed strong disapproval of the officer’s actions. In its order, the court observed that such behavior cannot be tolerated.
“I am of the view that such misconduct on the part of SI Narinder cannot be countenanced under any circumstances,” Justice Monga stated. The court made a powerful observation on the role of a police officer, stating, “He is supposed to be protector of law and not a predator. He cannot turn his Khaki to the level of such arrogance that not only he misbehaved with the officers of this Court who are doing the honourable duty of assisting the Court in discharge of justice, but also threatened them with dire consequences merely because he thinks he is above law.”
Based on this prima facie view, the court initially directed Inspector Kishore Kumar, Police Station South Rohini, who was present in Court, “to register a zero FIR under the relevant penal Sections, forthwith.” The court further ordered that the FIR be marked to the Tilak Marg Police Station and that the investigation be conducted by an officer not below the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police, a directive conveyed to the Commissioner of Police.
Submission of Apology and Final Order
Before the formal order directing the FIR could be signed, the case was mentioned again in the latter half of the court session by Mr. Sanjeev Sabharwal, the learned Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) for the State. The APP informed the court that “SI Narinder has tendered his unconditional apology to all the concerned counsels and he be let off.”
Considering this development, the court modified its stance. However, Justice Monga deemed a verbal apology insufficient given the gravity of the officer’s conduct. The final order stated, “However, I am of the view that looking at the conduct of SI Narinder, the apology be submitted in writing by way of an affidavit.”
The court directed that the affidavit be filed by the following day and listed the matter for September 23, 2025.
