Supreme Court Denounces 'Goonda Raj' Following Alleged Courtroom Assault
The Supreme Court of India has issued a stern condemnation of an alleged violent incident that occurred within the hallowed halls of the Tis Hazari court complex. During a hearing on Monday, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, presiding over a three-judge bench, expressed profound disapproval upon learning that a lawyer and his clients were reportedly attacked inside a courtroom.
Incident Details and Judicial Outrage
The matter was brought to the court's attention during the mentioning hours, a period reserved for urgent matters. The counsel informed the bench that the incident transpired on Saturday, February 7, in the courtroom of Additional Sessions Judge Harjeet Singh Pal. According to the lawyer's account, while he was representing the accused, the complainant's advocate, accompanied by alleged goons, entered the courtroom.
"They hit me and the accused... They locked the door inside the courtroom," the counsel stated, emphasizing that the judge was present and witnessed the entire episode unfold. This brazen act of violence within a judicial setting prompted a forceful response from the apex court.
CJI's Directive and Administrative Action
Chief Justice Surya Kant immediately questioned why the matter had not been reported to the Delhi High Court. The counsel responded that he felt unsupported, citing that "nobody is supporting" and that the police were allegedly too fearful to provide security. The CJI countered, pointing out the inconsistency in bringing the issue to the Supreme Court while not approaching the head of the state judiciary.
Noting the gravity of the situation but clarifying jurisdictional boundaries, CJI Kant emphasized that this was an administrative matter, not a judicial one. He issued a clear directive: "Please go and make a written complaint to the Delhi High Court CJ during the course of the day and send a copy to me." He assured that he would deal with it on the administrative side once the complaint was formally lodged.
Broader Implications for Rule of Law
The Chief Justice's remarks underscored a deep concern for the rule of law. "If the police are not doing anything, there is no rule of law... How can they misbehave like this?" he questioned. His concluding statement resonated with unequivocal disapproval: "This kind of goonda raj is not acceptable to us."
This incident highlights alarming challenges to safety and decorum within India's judicial infrastructure. The Supreme Court's intervention, while administrative, sends a powerful message against intimidation and violence in courts, reinforcing the principle that the judiciary must remain a sanctuary for justice, free from fear and coercion.
