Archive · 28 Jul 2026
Delhi High Court Dismisses Petition Against Police Officer
A woman named Zarnigar Fatima filed a petition in the Delhi High Court asking for a different officer to investigate her case because the current officer, Sandeep Lamba, was seen on video slapping a woman during a protest.
The court said that just because Lamba was seen doing that, it doesn't mean he can't do his job fairly.
The court also said that while people have the right to protest, they can't damage important government buildings.
The court decided that the inquiry should stay with Lamba.
The Delhi High Court dismissed a petition seeking the withdrawal of an inquiry from Additional DCP Sandeep Lamba due to his alleged overuse of power during a protest.
The petitioner, Zarnigar Fatima, argued that Lamba's conduct in slapping a woman during a protest had shaken her confidence in the fairness of the inquiry.
The court asserted that the police officer has the right to a fair trial and that his conduct in one incident does not necessarily indicate bias in every case.
The court stated that the right to protest does not extend to damaging the 'seat of sovereignty' and that the police officer's actions were necessary to prevent a potentially dangerous situation.
The inquiry had already concluded after recording the petitioner's statement, and the matter had been sent to the competent authority for a final decision.
- Who
- Zarnigar Fatima (petitioner), Sandeep Lamba (inquiry officer), Justice Girish Kathpalia (judge)
- What
- Delhi High Court dismissed a petition seeking the withdrawal of an inquiry from Delhi Police's Additional DCP Sandeep Lamba due to his alleged overuse of power during a protest.
- When
- The incident occurred on July 20, 2025, and the court hearing was on an unspecified date.
- Where
- The incident took place in Delhi, and the court hearing was at the Delhi High Court.
- Why
- The petitioner argued that Lamba's conduct in slapping a woman during a protest had shaken her confidence in the fairness of the inquiry. The court dismissed the petition, stating that the officer's conduct in one incident does not necessarily indicate bias in every case.
Petitioner's Argument
Court's Argument
Fairness of Inquiry
Petitioner's Argument
The petitioner argued that the inquiry officer's conduct in slapping a woman during a protest has shaken her confidence in the fairness of the inquiry.
Court's Argument
The court asserted that the police officer has the right to a fair trial and that his conduct in one incident does not necessarily indicate bias in every case.
Right to Protest
Petitioner's Argument
The petitioner did not explicitly argue against the right to protest.
Court's Argument
The court stated that while the right to protest exists, it does not extend to damaging the 'seat of sovereignty' and that the police officer's actions were necessary to prevent a potentially dangerous situation.
- Petitioner
- Zarnigar Fatima
- Inquiry Officer
- Sandeep Lamba, Additional DCP
- Incident Date
- July 20, 2025
- Court
- Delhi High Court
- Judge
- Justice Girish Kathpalia
- Protest Organizer
- Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)
- Alleged Incident
- Slapping a woman during a protest
- Petitioner's Allegation
- Illegal detention at Jafrabad police station
