New Delhi, 27 April (H.S.): The Supreme Court of India has taken suo motu cognizance of the brutal attack on a woman advocate in Delhi, directing the Delhi Police Commissioner to ensure that the case is investigated by a senior‑rank female officer. A Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has ordered the probe to be handled by an officer of the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) or Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), preferably a woman, to ensure a sensitive and thorough examination of the incident.

The Court has also directed the investigating officer to examine three hospitals—GTB, RK and Kailash hospitals that reportedly refused to admit the victim when she went seeking emergency treatment. The Bench expressed concern over the alleged denial of care and has asked the officer to submit a status report on how the institutions handled the case.

During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aishwarya Bhati, representing the police, informed the Bench that an FIR has been registered under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and that the woman lawyer’s husband, Manoj Kumar, has been arrested. She stated that he has admitted during questioning that he attacked his wife with a knife on April 22 because of family disputes.

Reports before the Court indicate that the woman lawyer’s in‑laws took away two minor children after the attack and that their whereabouts were initially unknown. The Supreme Court has now directed authorities to trace the two minors and ensure their safety. The Bench also recorded that the eldest daughter, recovered by police, has been placed in the custody of her maternal grandparents, and that her custody will continue with them until otherwise ordered.

By taking suo motu cognizance and giving very specific directions on the investigation, hospital conduct and the welfare of the children, the Supreme Court has underscored its concern about both violence against women professionals and systemic gaps in emergency‑care response and child protection.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar