Woman Advocate Assault: Supreme Court Demands Accountability from Police, Hospitals

In a case that has sparked serious concern over women’s safety and systemic response, the Supreme Court of India on Monday took suo motu cognisance of the brutal assault on a woman advocate in Delhi, allegedly carried out by her husband.

A 38-year-old woman advocate was allegedly stabbed by her husband, Manoj Kumar, on April 22 following a reported domestic dispute . The accused was later arrested, and during interrogation, he is said to have confessed to the attack . The incident gained urgency after allegations surfaced that multiple hospitals refused to admit the injured victim, and that her two minor children were taken away by her in-laws, with their whereabouts initially unclear.

A bench led by Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi issued a series of urgent directions, reflecting the gravity of the incident. The court directed the Delhi Police Commissioner to transfer the investigation to a senior officer , preferably a woman officer of ACP or DCP rank, ensuring sensitivity and accountability in handling the case.

What added further alarm was the revelation that three hospitals allegedly refused admission to the injured victim. The court has now ordered a detailed probe into this aspect, raising critical questions about emergency medical response and institutional responsibility.

Appearing for the police, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati informed the bench that an FIR has been registered and the accused husband has been arrested from the Khajuri Khas area.

The court also took serious note of the situation involving the victim’s children and directed the police to trace them immediately and ensure their safety .

By seeking a status report on the probe , the Supreme Court has made it clear that this is not just a criminal case, but one that raises deeper concerns about law enforcement response, healthcare access, and protection of vulnerable individuals.