The Supreme Court took suo motu cognisance of the alleged stabbing of a woman lawyer by her husband, directing Delhi Police to transfer the probe to a senior officer, preferably a woman. The court ordered an investigation into hospitals denying her treatment and Rs 3 lakh interim compensation from NALSA. It also directed checks on the welfare of her three minor daughters.
A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi took suo motu cognisance on Monday of the assault on advocate Madhu Rajput, who practises at Karkardooma courts. They directed the Delhi Police Commissioner to hand over the probe to "a fairly senior officer, preferably a woman officer".
Rajput, 38, was allegedly stabbed multiple times by her husband Manoj Kumar, a Sonia Vihar resident, on April 22. Kumar was arrested on the night of April 25-26 following an FIR at Khajuri Khas police station. Allegations have also been made against her in-laws, who are absconding.
The victim was taken to four hospitals—GTB Hospital, Kailash Deepak Hospital, RK Hospital, and Jag Pravesh Hospital—where three refused admission and one provided first aid before referral. She was finally admitted to AIIMS Trauma Centre and later shifted to a private hospital. The court ordered a probe into the denial of treatment.
The National Legal Services Authority was directed to provide Rs 3 lakh interim aid for her treatment and care of her three daughters, aged 12, 4, and 1. The proceedings were initiated on a letter from advocate Sneha Kalita, appointed amicus curiae. The next hearing is on May 11.
