SupremeCourt – Supreme Court Orders Crime Branch to Take Over Delhi Lawyer Assault Case
SupremeCourt –The Supreme Court has ordered that the investigation into the alleged assault on a Delhi-based advocate be shifted to the Crime Branch, citing the seriousness of the injuries and concerns over the fairness of the initial police inquiry.
The Supreme Court on Thursday instructed the Delhi Police Commissioner to hand over the investigation into the alleged attack on a Delhi advocate to the Crime Branch. The direction came after the court reviewed the nature of the injuries suffered by the petitioner and expressed concern that the existing First Information Report (FIR) might not adequately reflect the gravity of the alleged offence.
Court Calls for Stronger Criminal Charges
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana observed that the injuries involved a vital part of the victim’s body. Taking this into account, the bench indicated that the allegations could justify invoking charges related to an attempt to murder.
The court directed that Sections 109 and 118 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) be included in the FIR. Section 109 deals with the offence of attempt to murder, while Section 118 relates to voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt using dangerous weapons or means.
Advocate Raised Concerns Over Local Police Probe
The order was passed while hearing a petition filed by the injured advocate, who sought an independent and impartial investigation. According to the petition, the local police station responsible for the original investigation had failed to conduct a fair inquiry, raising concerns about possible bias and lapses during the investigation process.
After considering these allegations alongside the seriousness of the injuries, the bench stated that the case should be examined by a specialized investigative unit to ensure transparency and public confidence in the legal process.
Commissioner Directed to Ensure Immediate Transfer
The Supreme Court further instructed the Delhi Police Commissioner to transfer all records connected with the case to the Crime Branch without delay. The Commissioner has also been asked to submit a compliance report before the court once the transfer process is completed.
The matter will be taken up again after the Crime Branch formally assumes responsibility for the investigation and the court receives confirmation that its directions have been implemented.
Delhi Court Rejects Bail Plea of PFI Founder
In another significant court development, a Delhi court refused to grant bail to E. Abubacker, the founding chairman of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI). He is facing charges in a case investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which alleges a conspiracy to destabilize the Government of India and establish an Islamic caliphate by the year 2047.
The Special NIA Court observed that the allegations against the accused were of a serious nature and found no valid grounds for granting bail at this stage. While rejecting the plea, the court described the offences under investigation as grave, emphasizing the seriousness of the accusations and the ongoing legal proceedings.