Supreme Court transfers probe concerning attach on advocate Pankaj Sharma.

Noting that the Delhi Police has failed to invoke the offence of attempt to murder in an FIR registered over an alleged attack on an advocate practising before the Supreme Court, a CJI Surya Kant led bench has directed that the investigation be transferred to the Crime Branch.

The bench also comprising Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana observed that, considering the nature of the injuries allegedly inflicted on the head, the offence of attempt to murder ought to have been included in the FIR.

Senior Advocate and SCBA President Vikas Singh appeared for Advocate Pankaj Sharma, a Supreme Court lawyer with over 20 years of practice, who was allegedly attacked by his neighbours. 

Sharma alleged that he was attacked inside his home on July 11 by several persons, who repeatedly banged his head against an iron gate, causing deep head injuries, heavy blood loss, and eight stitches. He claimed the accused were politically influential and that one of them boasted that no action would be taken against him. The petition accused the Delhi Police of initially refusing to register an FIR and later booking the case only for simple assault despite the seriousness of the injuries. It alleged that the police deliberately omitted offences such as attempt to murder and grievous hurt, and subsequently pressured him to compromise.

Sharma further alleged that the accused returned the next day to threaten his family and withdraw the FIR, while the police failed to provide adequate protection or take effective action. The plea sought transfer of the investigation, police protection for Sharma and his family, addition of Sections 109, 117 and 118(2) of the BNS to the FIR, and a fresh medical examination.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday sought a status report from the Delhi Police regarding the investigation into the alleged assault of a Supreme Court advocate by his neighnours. A CJI Surya Kant led bench directed that the status report, along with details of the action taken on the victim's second complaint alleging threats to withdraw the FIR, be filed by a police officer not below the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police. The Bench also directed that adequate protection be ensured to the advocate.

Notably, Senior Advocate Vikas Singh had mentioned the plea concerning attack on Supreme Court lawyer today. "A member of our bar was attacked at his house. He got stitches on his head.. he has 11 years standing. No one arrested. They came and threatened him again to withdraw the FIR or there will be consequences..If this happens in Delhi to a supreme court lawyer then..", court was told. Attorney General added to the concern saying, "This is a serious matter. We join in the prayers..please issue notice."

"On oral mention matter taken on board. AG Venkataramani appears. Let status report about the investigation and status of second complaint made by the victim be also filed by a police officer not below rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police," the bench accordingly ordered.

In April, a CJI Surya Kant led bench of the Supreme Court had registered a suo motu case concerning the brutal assault of a Karkardooma-based Advocate Madhu by her husband & in-laws. The Lady Advocate was brutally stabbed in the office of her husband. She had later made a PCR call seeking help. Court was further told today that hospitals refused to attend to her injuries.

Notably, Supreme Court Women Lawyers Association (SCWLA) had condemned the “barbaric” attempt to murder and demanded immediate arrest of accused, saying delay is “failure of Delhi Police”. “This was not a mere domestic dispute; it was a savage, premeditated attempt to silence and eliminate a dedicated officer of the court within the supposed safety of the National Capital,” the letter by SCWLA read.

Case Title – Pankaj Sharma vs. State of NCT of Delhi & Ors.

Bench: CJI Kant, Justice Bagchi and Justice Mohana

Hearing Date: July 16, 2026

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