‘Gunda raj’ unacceptable in courts, says CJI after lawyer alleges assault

The Supreme Court on Monday took serious note of an alleged incident of violence inside a Delhi district court, with Chief Justice of India Surya Kant observing that any form of “ Gunda Raj ” inside court premises is unacceptable and amounts to a breakdown of the rule of law .

The remarks came after a lawyer sought urgent listing of his plea before a bench comprising the CJI and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and N V Anjaria, claiming that he was physically assaulted while arguing a case at the Tis Hazari court complex on February 7.

Explaining the incident, the lawyer said he was appearing on behalf of an accused in a case being heard before Additional District Judge Harjit Singh Pal . During the proceedings, he alleged, the complainant’s advocate entered the courtroom along with several men and attacked him.

According to the lawyer, the assault took place inside the courtroom itself and in the presence of the presiding judge and other court staff .

“They hit me while the judge was sitting there. All members of the court were present,” he told the Supreme Court bench, describing the situation as a serious threat to the safety of lawyers and the sanctity of court proceedings.

Taking strong exception to the allegations, the CJI asked whether the matter had been reported to the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court . He directed the lawyer to immediately submit a written complaint to the High Court and mark a copy to him as well.

“Let the High Court Chief Justice take cognisance. Action will be on the administrative side. This kind of ‘Gunda Raj’ is not acceptable to us. This means the failure of the rule of law,” the CJI said.

The bench made it clear that since the incident occurred in a district court, the jurisdictional High Court was the appropriate authority to examine the complaint and initiate action.

The observations underscore the Supreme Court’s firm stance that courtrooms must remain safe, orderly spaces , where disputes are resolved through law and not intimidation or violence.