New Delhi, July 13 (IANS) The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) on Monday strongly condemned the alleged brutal assault on advocate Pankaj Sharma, terming it an attack on the institution of justice and expressing serious concern over the manner in which the investigation has been conducted.

In a resolution passed by its Executive Committee, the SCBA said it was “deeply concerned” and “unequivocally condemns the brutal physical assault” on Sharma, a senior member of the Bar, who was allegedly attacked at his residence by his neighbour on July 11.

The Bar body said the incident resulted in serious injuries, but alleged that the investigation had “failed to adequately reflect the gravity and nature of the assault”.

“The Executive Committee is deeply disturbed that an advocate of the Supreme Court of India and a respected member of the Bar should be left vulnerable to violence, intimidation and continued threats without adequate protection from the law enforcement authorities. Such incidents strike at the very foundation of the rule of law and undermine public confidence in the administration of justice,” the resolution said.

“An attack on an advocate is not merely an attack on an individual; it is an attack on the institution of justice itself,” it added.

The SCBA also expressed concern that the First Information Report (FIR) did not appear to incorporate allegations relating to the grievous injuries sustained by Sharma or the alleged attempt on his life despite the seriousness of the incident.

It further alleged that despite repeated complaints, no effective action had been taken against those responsible and no meaningful protection had been provided to Sharma or his family.

“The Executive Committee is constrained to observe that if an Advocate of the Supreme Court of India can be subjected to a brutal physical assault, followed by continued threats and intimidation to his family, without adequate protection or prompt and effective police action, it raises serious concerns about the ability of ordinary citizens to secure the protection of law,” the resolution said.

Calling for immediate intervention, the SCBA urged the Delhi Police Commissioner to review the investigation, ensure that all offences disclosed by the facts and medical evidence are duly investigated, and take prompt legal action against every person allegedly involved in the assault, criminal intimidation and any subsequent interference with the probe.

The Bar body also demanded immediate and adequate police protection for Sharma and every member of his family so that they could pursue legal remedies “without fear, intimidation or coercion”.

“The SCBA firmly stands with Mr. Sharma and is going to support him in dealing with this heinous attack,” the resolution said.

–IANS

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