The Supreme Court has directed the Delhi Police to complete the investigation into the alleged sword attack on a woman advocate at the earliest, while ensuring full protection for both the survivor and her two minor daughters. The case also prompted the Court to intervene beyond the investigation by arranging financial support, educational assistance for the children, and custody relief for the injured advocate, underlining the urgency of institutional protection in cases involving violence against women lawyers.
The matter reached the Apex Court after the injured advocate sought urgent judicial intervention through a letter addressed to the Chief Justice of India, following the alleged assault by her husband in Delhi’s Sonia Vihar area on April 22. During the suo motu proceedings, the Bench examined the status report submitted by Delhi Police and noted that the investigation was still in progress, while the accused had already been arrested after registration of the FIR. The Court also took serious note of allegations that several hospitals either denied admission or failed to provide timely emergency treatment to the advocate after the attack.
A Bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi stressed that the investigation must remain dispassionate, fair and impartial and instructed the investigating officer to bring the probe to a logical conclusion at the earliest. The Court further directed Delhi Police to ensure that no harm is caused to the victim or the children.
The Bench ordered that the victim’s two daughters be provided free educational facilities, including school fees, books, uniforms, and transport support through the Delhi Government. The Court also restored custody of the children to the mother after recording that she had substantially recovered from her injuries.
In addition, the Bench directed a deeper examination into the conduct of four hospitals that allegedly denied treatment and clarified that the victim would remain free to pursue remedies available in law. The matter was disposed of with the Court making it clear that its observations would not affect the merits of the criminal case.
Source PTI
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