Tis Hazari court in Delhi witnessed a tense and volatile situation on Wednesday as an escalating dispute between two factions of lawyers led to an exchange of gunfire. However, no casualties or injuries were reported amidst the chaos. The police swiftly intervened, bringing the situation under control.
Authorities have initiated a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the altercation and to prevent recurrence. The “shooter” lawyer has been suspended.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Sagar Singh Kalsi, said, “Around 1.35 pm on Wednesday, a firing incident occurred at Tis Hazari court. Upon reaching the scene, it was discovered that two distinct groups of lawyers were involved, with gunfire being discharged. Thankfully, no harm was inflicted on anyone.”
A circulating video on social media captured the distressing scene, showing an individual dressed as a lawyer firing a weapon into the air, while others engaged in the reckless act of throwing stones and wooden planks.
The authenticity of the video is yet to be confirmed by the police.
The groups involved, predominantly clad in white shirts, wielded sticks and exchanged heated verbal exchanges. Another video from the scene revealed the presence of bullet casings where the shots were fired.
The situation has since been brought under control, and appropriate legal action is being initiated. Joint Commissioner of Police (Central Range), Parmaditya, also visited the site, according to police reports.
Investigative teams are diligently working to identify all individuals involved, although no arrests have been made thus far. The licensing status of the firearms used remains under investigation.
KK Manan, Chairman of the Bar Council of Delhi, strongly condemned the incident and pledged to conduct a thorough inquiry. “We will launch a comprehensive investigation into the matter, including the verification of weapon licenses. Regardless of licensing, the use of firearms in such a manner by lawyers or anyone else within or near court premises is absolutely unacceptable,” Manan emphasized.
In response to the firing incident at Tis Hazari court, the Bar Council of Delhi has taken immediate action by suspending the license of a lawyer identified in a viral social media video. The council denounced the lawyer’s violent behaviour within the court premises as highly deplorable and a gross misconduct.
The concerned lawyer has been summoned to provide a written explanation and appear before the Bar Council of Delhi’s office on July 7.
This incident is not an isolated occurrence, as Delhi’s courts have witnessed multiple instances of gun violence. In April 2021, a debarred lawyer fired multiple rounds at a woman, causing injuries, at the Saket court complex. Another court employee was also harmed during the incident. In September 2021, gangster Jitendra Gogi was fatally shot by two individuals posing as lawyers within a crowded Rohini courtroom.
These repeated incidents underscore the pressing need for enhanced security measures and stricter regulations within court premises to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals involved.
