Jahanvi Agarwal
In a shocking incident at the Rangareddy District Court, an accused in a murder trial hurled a chappal at 9th Additional District and Sessions Judge Harisha, causing commotion in the courtroom. The judge, displaying presence of mind, swiftly moved her chair back, avoiding the attack and escaping unscathed. The dramatic scene unfolded during the hearing of a murder case involving the accused, Sardar Chamkorthi, alias Karan Singh, who had already been convicted in a separate case and sentenced to life imprisonment.
According to Court Officials, Chamkorthi, who was brought to the court under tight police security, complained of mistreatment by the jail superintendent. When Judge Harisha asked him to step forward and present his grievances, he suddenly removed his chappal and flung it at her, despite being restrained by nearly six police officers. Senior assistant and bench clerk Satyanarayana Raju described the attack as premeditated, attributing it to the judge’s recent verdict sentencing Chamkorthi to rigorous life imprisonment and imposing a fine of Rs.15,000. The conviction stemmed from a case where he had violently assaulted two police constables while evading arrest.
Chamkorthi is a repeat offender with a history of violent crimes. His criminal record includes charges under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including attempt to murder and causing grievous harm to deter public servants from performing their duties. Additionally, he had been booked under the Arms Act for attacking constables Raju Naik and Vijay with a knife in Yellammabanda’s Sikh Colony. In a separate and heinous crime, he had allegedly threatened a transgender woman at knifepoint for sexual favors and subsequently murdered her husband, also a transgender person, when he tried to intervene. This case, registered under IPC Sections 302 (Murder) and 394 r/w 34 (Causing Hurt During Robbery), was under trial when the courtroom attack transpired.
The incident left the legal community in an uproar. Shocked by the brazen act, several lawyers present in the courtroom reportedly confronted the accused outside and physically assaulted him. Strongly condemning the attack, Rangareddy Bar Association president Kondal Reddy remarked, “Despite being restrained by police escort, the accused managed to throw a chappal, shocking everyone in the courtroom. He is a notorious criminal and must be punished for his actions. After the incident, all the lawyers came out and protested.” Vice-president Rajender Reddy Pam noted the unprecedented nature of the attack, stating, “I think this is the first time in the state’s legal history that an accused has attacked a judge. We strongly condemn this and demand protection for lawyers.”
Further expressing concern, TPCC legal cell convener Swarnalatha Vaddiraju highlighted the symbolic gravity of the incident, particularly as it occurred on National Women’s Day. She condemned the act as “an insult to the judiciary and women in high-ranking legal positions.” In response, lawyers across Telangana have declared a boycott of court proceedings on Friday i.e., 14th February 2025, asserting that such attacks threaten the dignity of the judiciary and create an atmosphere of fear among legal professionals. They have called for stringent measures to prevent future assaults on judicial officers and to uphold the sanctity of the legal system.