The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the Delhi Police to submit a formal status report regarding an investigation into the alleged physical assault of an advocate at his residence in the national capital.
A three-judge bench consisting of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V Mohana also ordered authorities to ensure there is no threat to the life and liberty of the advocate, Pankaj Sharma.
The court specified that a police officer with a rank no lower than Deputy Commissioner of Police must file the status report. This report is required to cover both the ongoing investigation and the current status of a second complaint submitted by the victim.
Details Of The Home Assault
The legal action follows an incident on July 11, 2026, when Sharma, a member of the Supreme Court Bar Association, was reportedly beaten by intruders inside his home. According to a petition filed by Sharma, the physical assault resulted in serious head injuries that required eight stitches.
Representing the petitioner, senior advocate Vikas Singh informed the court that although Sharma filed an initial First Information Report charging the assailants with house trespass and causing hurt, the suspects returned to his home the following day to threaten him. Singh questioned the safety of ordinary citizens if a lawyer practicing at the nation’s highest court could be targeted in such a manner.
Allegations Of Police Inaction
In his writ petition, Sharma alleged that the local police have failed to provide him with protection or take appropriate legal action against the perpetrators. The petition claimed that the suspects are close to a local politician and are using their influence to stall police action, adding that the accused individuals made a subsequent attempt to assault Sharma and his family members on July 12.
In response to the incident, the Supreme Court Bar Association has called for the immediate establishment of a high-level inquiry. The association has also requested that the investigation be transferred to an independent agency, that security be provided to Sharma and his family, and that strict punitive measures be taken against those responsible for the attack.
