Delhi High Court Orders Round-The-Clock Security For Lawyer Allegedly Beaten Up Inside Tis Hazari Court Room, Calls For Report
The Delhi High Court on Monday (February 9) directed the Police to provide round-the-clock security to a lawyer who has alleged that he was beaten up inside a court room in Tis Hazari courts in front of the presiding judge last week. For context, a lawyer had mentioned the incident before the Chief Justice of India earlier today, stating that he was beaten up in a courtroom in Tis Hazari...
The Delhi High Court on Monday (February 9) directed the Police to provide round-the-clock security to a lawyer who has alleged that he was beaten up inside a court room in Tis Hazari courts in front of the presiding judge last week.
For context, a lawyer had mentioned the incident before the Chief Justice of India earlier today, stating that he was beaten up in a courtroom in Tis Hazari Courts last Saturday. CJI Surya Kant had asked the lawyer to make a written complaint to the Delhi High Court Chief Justice with a copy to himself as well. Thereafter the lawyer had mentioned the matter before the division bench of the high court pursuant to which the matter was taken up suo motu.
A three judge bench of Chief Justice Devendra Upadhyay, Justice V Kameswar Rao and Justice Nitin Wasudeo Sambre in its order dictated:
"This larger bench has assembled, pursuant to order of court dated 9 February 2026. On our request, learned Standing counsel criminal GNCTD, learned ASG of India who is presently the Chairman of Special Committee of Bar Council of Delhi and learned counsel representing Delhi High Court are present. Learned counsel in unison have expressed their concern about the reported incident and have categorically stated that such incident if it had occurred not only threatens the individual lawyers practicing in the court room but erodes the dignity and propriety of the proceedings of the court. Since the reported incident has larger ramifications and consequences we direct that the President Bar Association of Tis Hazari Court, Commissioner of Police Delhi, DCP North Delhi Police, Delhi Bar Council be impleaded as party respondents..."
During the hearing the DCP North who was present through video conferencing, submitted that the FIRs are being registered, and assured the court that all measures to appropriately investigate/inquire into the incident reported to the police shall be taken.
"We request the learned PDJ to submit a report into the alleged incident after making inquiries from all concerned, including Presiding Officer of the Court concerned within 24 hours...The lawyer who appeared before the division bench which has passed the order taking suo motu cognizance of the matter, is however not present. The order dated 9-2-2026 passed by division bench, reflects that he had expressed apprehension about his personal safety. Accordingly we direct the learned DCP North to provide him round the clock adequate security which shall however be subject to the review of threat perception to the advocate concerned after 10 days," the court said.
The court further directed that the investigation of the FIRs shall be conducted by an Asst. Commissioner of Police under the direct supervision of DCP concerned.
The court in its order said that since the reported incident is not only in relation to certain criminal acts rather it reflects upon the misconduct of the lawyer(s), it therefore directed that cognizance of the incident be taken by the Bar Council of Delhi in terms of Section 35 of Advocates Act and accordingly, after conducting an inquiry the report be submitted to the Court.
"We also direct the Commissioner of Police, Delhi to take stock of the security situation in all the District Courts, including the Courts at Tis Hazari Court Complex. He is also directed that he shall take appropriate steps to enhance the security bandobast in each district Courts in consultation with the respective Principal District & Sessions Judges, within 24 hours," the court added.
Meanwhile Delhi Government Standing Counsel (criminal) Sanjay Lao stated that the police authorities have received two rival complaints and on the basis of these complaints the process of registering FIR has been initiated. He further assured the court that on the basis of the complaints, FIR shall be lodged with appropriate sections of BNS. He further stated that inquiry/investigation into the incident shall be conducted with sincerity and accordingly a report shall be submitted to the court.
The court also orally told the DCP to investigate the matter without being pressurized from any corner whatsoever in an absolutely independent manner, so that truth can be unearthed.
During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma who is also the Chairman of the Special Committee of Bar Council of Delhi said, "The facts are known to the Delhi police...There appears to be some background to this...of course inside the court this is totally unwarranted and has to be met with a heavy hand..."
Meanwhile Sanjay Lao submitted that the complaints have been given to IO and it has been forwarded to DCP concerned. "On complaints of both side we are registering FIR against both the side, whatever action is required we will be doing it," he said.
At this stage the Chief Justice orally said, "this is after the incident. Taking action is all fine...If any such incident has happened inside the court room during court proceedings. A lawyer is said to have been beaten, hackled and as per the reports. We are not on veracity of reports...Jolting the door of court room from inside, where presiding officer is sitting..."
Lao submitted that the police will be registering an FIR and will be moving an application for preserving CCTV footages. "After seeing CCTV footage if anything is required to be added we will do that also," he said.
With regard to the conduct of the lawyers, ASG Sharma said, "Let the copy of complaint be given to special committee of Bar Council to take action in accordance with law. If it is a lawyer v/s lawyer scuffle inside court then it is breach of Advocates Act and Rules".
The court also orally inquired about enhancing the security of the court premises to which the DCP North submitted, that security audit has been conducted and further steps will be looked into how the security can be enhanced.
For context, the lawyer had before the Supreme Court stated that while he was appearing in the Court of Additional District Judge Harjeet Singh Pal, on behalf of one accused, the complainant's advocate along with many goons entered the Courtroom, and in front of the Judge assaulted him and the other accused. He claimed that they locked the door of Courtroom from inside and unleashed violence right in front of the judge.
The matter is listed on February 24.
Case title: COURT ON ITS OWN MOTION v/s GOVERNMENT OF NCT OF DELHI & ORS.
Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Del) 171
W.P.(C) 1917/2026