The Supreme Court on Monday took suo motu cognisance of the brutal attack on a woman advocate who was allegedly stabbed multiple times by her husband. The court also ordered an inquiry into claims that three hospitals refused to provide her urgent medical care.

Case Taken Up by Bench:

A Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi heard the matter. The case was registered based on a letter by Advocate Sneha Kalita, who brought to the Court’s attention the serious assault on her colleague practising at Karkardooma Courts.

The Court noted that the victim had suffered multiple injuries to vital organs and was being treated at AIIMS. This prompted the Court to start immediate suo motu proceedings.

During the hearing, the counsel assisting the Court said that the advocate was brutally stabbed by her husband. She had called the Police Control Room and her brother for help. She was taken to three different hospitals, but they allegedly refused to admit her, saying her condition was too critical. She was finally admitted to AIIMS at around 6 a.m.

Court Acted Quickly:

Responding to this, the Chief Justice said that the Court had acted quickly after receiving the complaint.

Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, told the Court that an FIR had been registered. She said the accused husband was arrested during the night of April 25–26 and has been remanded to custody. She also informed the Court that the victim was treated at AIIMS and has now been shifted to a private hospital, where her condition is stable.

Probe into Hospitals:

The Bench expressed serious concern over the allegation that hospitals had refused emergency treatment. It directed the investigating officer to look into this issue and submit a status report.

The Court also noted that the victim has three daughters aged 12 years, 4 years, and 1 year.

Missing Children & Eldest Found:

It was stated that after the incident, the in-laws took away two of the minor children, and their whereabouts are still unknown. The eldest child was left outside the house at night by the accused husband and was later found by the police. She is currently in the care of her maternal grandparents.

The Bench directed the Commissioner of Police, Delhi, to assign the investigation to a senior officer, preferably a woman officer of the rank of Assistant Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner of Police. It also directed the police to find the two missing children and ordered that the eldest daughter should remain in the custody of her maternal grandparents.

Noting that the victim urgently needs financial help for her treatment and for her children, the Court directed the National Legal Services Authority to provide interim financial aid by the next day.

Court’s Closing Remark:

“Praying for her speedy recovery,” CJI observed after concluding the hearing.

Case Details: In Re- Brutal Assault On A Member Of Legal Fraternity & Need For Judicial Intervention (SMW(c) 4/2026)