The Supreme Court on Tuesday (July 14, 2026) sought a status report from the Delhi Police into an alleged incident of assault on an apex court lawyer followed by threats against him in the national capital. A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant directed the police to provide the lawyer protection of life and liberty. Supreme Court Bar Association president, senior advocate Vikas Singh, produced photographs of the injured lawyer, Pankaj Sharma, in court, saying “if this could happen to a Supreme Court lawyer in Delhi, how safe is a common citizen in this country?” Attorney General R.
Venkataramani, who was present in the court room, said the incident raised serious concerns. Mr. Sharma accused the Delhi Police of inaction and dereliction of duty. The lawyer said he was attacked on July 11, resulting in grievous injuries on his head.
“The Delhi Police under the influence of the accused, who is close to a local politician, is neither taking suitable action against the culprits nor providing security to the Petitioner, though the accused again tried to assault the petitioner and his family members on July 12,” the petition submitted. Mr. Singh said the police were not even registering an FIR against the accused. Finally, when the police did file an FIR after “much persistence”, it was only for offences like ‘simple assault’ though the petitioner had received injuries dangerous to life.
“The case highlights a systemic failure where law enforcement agencies have deliberately downplayed targeted violence against an officer of the court. The police inaction directly violates the petitioner’s right to life and personal liberty guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution,” the petition submitted. The court ordered the status report ought to be filed by an officer not below the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police.
“A member of our Bar was beaten at his house. He has stitches on his head. He has 11 years’ standing.
No one was arrested,” Mr. Singh submitted. The court listed the case for hearing on July 16.
