After 6 Days In Custody, Supreme Court Grants Interim Bail To Man Accused Of Threatening Woman Lawyer During Commission Visit

The Supreme Court today granted interim bail to a man who allegedly threatened a woman lawyer appointed as Court Commissioner with an 'air gun' during execution of the commission.

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi passed the order, after hearing Senior Advocate Shadan Farasat for the accused (petitioner-Nitin Bansal).

It may be recalled that a one month jail sentence was imposed on the petitioner by the Delhi High Court, against which he approached the Supreme Court. On the last date, the top Court asked him to surrender before jail authorities on November 6, before entertaining his prayer against the High Court order. It expressed serious displeasure at his conduct and opined that he deserved to be in jail.

Justice Kant even said that the Local Commissioner showed magnanimity in the kind of complaint she filed, as she could have made a more serious complaint. The judges also noted that the alleged conduct was exhibited by the petitioner in presence of police officials. If they were not there, something untoward (like physical assault) may have happened with the Local Commissioner.

Today, Farasat informed the bench that the petitioner surrendered before jail authorities on November 6 and is in custody since 6 days. He further submitted that the petitioner has tendered an unconditional apology and prayed that his release be considered.

Hearing him, Justice Bagchi commented, "air guns should now be seized under the Arms Act". However, Farasat replied that air guns are not technically covered under the Act, because they do not require a license.

Issuing notice on the petition, the bench directed, "Meanwhile, we deem it appropriate to invoke our powers under Article 142 of the Constitution in order to do complete justice in the matter and issue following interim directions:

- The petitioner is directed to be released on interim bail subject to his furnishing bail bonds to the satisfaction of the jail authorities;

- The petitioner's bail bonds may be subject to the condition that he shall deposit a compensatory penalty of Rs.1 lakh with the Delhi High Court Lawyers' Welfare Fund within 2 weeks from the date of release."

"It is made clear that the compensatory cost of Rs.1 lakh shall not be construed as a fine under the Contempt of Courts Act. If the compensatory cost is not deposited, the order of interim bail shall stand recalled" the bench added.

For detailed background of the case, click here.

Case Title: NITIN BANSAL Versus THE STATE OF DELHI, SLP(Crl) No. 17468/2025