LegalAction – Supreme Court Directs Swift Probe Into Assault on Delhi Advocate
LegalAction – The Supreme Court has instructed Delhi Police to complete its investigation into the alleged assault on a woman advocate in the national capital without unnecessary delay. The court also emphasized the need to ensure the safety and welfare of the survivor and her two young daughters throughout the legal process.
The matter came before a bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant along with Justice Joymalya Bagchi. The judges observed that the inquiry must be carried out in a neutral and transparent manner, free from any external influence or bias. The directions were issued while hearing a suo motu case linked to the attack.
Court Monitors Progress of Investigation
The apex court had earlier taken suo motu cognisance of the matter after advocate Sneha Kalita wrote to the Chief Justice seeking immediate judicial intervention. The letter also requested financial relief for the victim under the victim compensation framework administered through the National Legal Services Authority.
According to the allegations presented before the court, the victim, who practices at Delhi’s Karkardooma district court, was attacked with a sword by her husband in the Sonia Vihar area on April 22. The incident reportedly left her with serious injuries requiring urgent medical care.
During the hearing held on May 11, the bench examined a status report filed by Delhi Police, which stated that the investigation in the FIR was still underway. The judges then directed the investigating officer to conclude the inquiry as soon as possible and ensure that the case reaches a lawful conclusion without delay.
Protection Ordered for Victim and Children
The court also expressed concern about the safety of the woman and her daughters. It directed Delhi Police to provide adequate protection to both the victim and the children to prevent any threat or intimidation.
In addition, the Delhi government was instructed to arrange free educational facilities for the children, including admission to playschool and regular schooling. The bench clarified that all related expenses such as tuition fees, uniforms, books, and transportation would be covered by the education department of the Delhi government.
The judges further stated that the children should receive financial support or assistance in line with policies framed by the Delhi administration for child welfare and rehabilitation.
Custody of Children Returned to Mother
The bench took note of the developments concerning the custody of the two minor daughters, aged four years and one year. Following an earlier court order issued on April 27, the children had initially been placed with their paternal grandparents before being taken into the care of the Child Welfare Committee.
The court observed that the victim had now recovered to a considerable extent after being discharged from the hospital. Without commenting on the merits of the criminal case, the judges ordered that custody of both daughters should be handed back to their mother.
Questions Raised Over Medical Response
The Supreme Court also addressed concerns regarding the response of hospitals where the victim was reportedly taken after the assault. Earlier proceedings noted that three hospitals allegedly refused admission, while another hospital provided only first aid before referring her elsewhere.
The bench directed that the inquiry involving four hospitals should be examined thoroughly and that a separate report should be submitted before the competent authority. The court added that the victim would be free to seek legal remedies in accordance with law after the findings are placed on record.
Accused Arrested by Delhi Police
Appearing for the Delhi government, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati informed the court that an FIR had been registered and the accused husband had already been arrested. Police later confirmed that Manoj Kumar, a resident of Sonia Vihar, was apprehended from the Khajuri Khas area during the night between April 25 and 26.
Investigators believe domestic conflict may have led to the attack, though officials stated that all possible angles were still being examined as part of the ongoing probe.
The Supreme Court had earlier directed the Delhi Police Commissioner to transfer the case to a senior officer, preferably a woman officer holding the rank of assistant commissioner or deputy commissioner of police.
The bench also approved interim financial assistance of Rs 3 lakh for the victim through NALSA to support her treatment and help care for her daughters.