Advocate Pankaj Sharma, a member of the Supreme Court Bar Association with over two decades of practice before the apex court, has filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court of India alleging that he was assaulted at his residence in Delhi on 11 July 2026. The petition, filed through counsel Tarun Gupta, contends that several persons entered his house and inflicted deep lacerations to his head, causing heavy blood loss and loss of consciousness. Sharma states that he was taken to Pentamed Hospital where he received eight stitches for the injuries.
The petition asserts that the assailants banged his head against an iron gate and that one of them claimed to be the president of the locality and possessed political influence, suggesting that no action would be taken against them. According to the petition, the District Crime Team visited the scene and recorded Sharma’s statement, but the investigating officer registered a first information report only for simple assault under Sections 332(c), 115(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, despite the nature of the injuries indicating a more serious offence.
Sharma’s plea argues that the police deliberately omitted Sections 109 (attempt to murder), 117 and 118(2) (grievous hurt by dangerous weapons) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita from the FIR, which he contends is arbitrary, biased and legally unsustainable. The petition maintains that such downgrading of the offence constitutes a violation of his right to life and personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution.
Further allegations in the petition state that on the day following the alleged assault, some of the accused returned to Sharma’s residence, attempted to enter the house and threatened his family to withdraw the FIR. The petition claims that the police have failed to take effective action against the accused, who continue to threaten Sharma and his family.
The petition also references a resolution and a letter issued by the Supreme Court Bar Association on 13 July 2026 condemning the alleged assault and urging the Commissioner of Police, Delhi, to intervene. Sharma asserts that despite the Bar Association’s intervention, no effective steps have been taken by the police.
In light of the above, the petition seeks the following reliefs: (i) direction to the Delhi Police to provide police protection to Sharma and his family; (ii) transfer of the investigation to an independent agency; (iii) amendment of the FIR to include Sections 109, 117 and 118(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita; (iv) a medical examination of the petitioner; and (v) any other relief that the Court may deem fit.
The matter is presently pending before the Supreme Court under Diary No. 41042/2026, titled Pankaj Sharma v. State of NCT of Delhi & Ors. No order has been passed by the Court at the stage of reporting. The petition underscores the petitioner’s contention that law enforcement agencies have downplayed targeted violence against an officer of the court and calls for judicial intervention to safeguard his constitutional rights.