Jahanvi Agarwal
The Delhi High Court recently expressed serious concern over a violent clash between law students at Delhi University. Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma, while denying anticipatory bail to one of the involved students, emphasized the gravity of the situation. He noted that such incidents, especially those involving future lawyers, are taken very seriously by the court.
The judge remarked, “The matter for which the law students are fighting is of great concern. It is alarming that those who will occupy responsible positions in the legal field are engaging in such altercations”. The court emphasized the need for a thorough investigation, stating that what may appear as a simple brawl requires in-depth examination.
The petitioner had sought anticipatory bail after being implicated in a late-night brawl among DU law students. According to the prosecution, he was part of a group armed with hockey sticks, lathis, and iron rods, who attacked the complainant and others. The petitioner’s lawyer argued that his client had only used his fists and that the injuries were minor. He also claimed that the case was influenced by a senior judicial officer, the complainant’s uncle. The court, however, expressed “extreme disappointment” at these allegations, stating, “Such kind of allegations without any basis scandalize the entire system of administration of criminal justice”.
Ultimately, the court dismissed the petitioner’s bail application, asserting that granting bail would send the wrong message. “Granting anticipatory bail in such cases would certainly give a wrong message,” the court stated, condemning the act of violent clashes between groups.
Case Name: Priyam Sharma v. State NCT of Delhi
Dairy Number: 19122/2024
Bench: Hon’ble Mr. Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma