New Delhi, June 7, 2025 —
The Supreme Court of India on Thursday issued notices to the Haryana Government, Gurugram Police, and the SHO of Sector 50 Police Station, acting on a petition filed by a woman lawyer alleging sexual assault and physical abuse by police officers.
The petitioner, a practicing advocate and executive member of the Tis Hazari Bar Association, alleged that on May 21, 2025, she was sexually assaulted by two male officers and beaten by female constables when she visited the Sector 50 police station in Gurugram to assist her client in a matrimonial case.
She further claimed that officers attempted to force her to ingest an unknown substance, and that she was illegally detained for hours. An FIR was later registered against her, allegedly in retaliation.
SC Observes Seriousness, Seeks Response
A bench of Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra and Justice Augustine George Masih issued notice to the State of Haryana and others, seeking a response within four weeks.
While refusing to stay the ongoing investigation against the woman advocate at this stage, the bench observed that she may join the probe and, if dissatisfied, approach the Superintendent of Police or the Punjab & Haryana High Court for appropriate directions.
Plea for Independent Investigation
The advocate has sought transfer of investigation to an independent agency such as the CBI or Delhi Police, citing bias and conflict of interest in having the same police unit probe the incident.
The plea was filed under Article 32 of the Constitution, invoking violation of her fundamental rights, including bodily autonomy, dignity, and access to justice.
The incident has drawn widespread criticism from legal associations, who termed the allegations “shocking” and demanded accountability. The matter is likely to raise broader questions of police reform, especially regarding the safety of women inside custodial settings.
Case Details:
• Case Title: A.S. v. State of Haryana
• Case Number: W.P.(Crl.) No. 235/2025
• Court: Supreme Court of India
• Bench: Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra and Justice Augustine George Masih
• Provisions Involved: Sections 4(2), 74, 75, 79, 115(2), 126(2), 351(2), 324(4), 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
