Delhi HC Refuses to Transfer Cop Accused of Slapping Woman Protester

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday refused to remove or transfer Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Sandeep Lamba, who has been accused of slapping a woman protester at Jantar Mantar during a demonstration. The court's strong observations came as it dismissed a petition seeking action against the officer, cautioning against what it saw as a rush to discredit the police force.

Court Warns Against 'Tarnishing' Officer

Justice Subramonium Prasad, hearing the matter, noted that the officer cannot be 'tarnished' over an alleged incident of 'overuse of power'. The court remarked that disciplinary proceedings must be allowed to take their course without public pressure or media trials influencing administrative decisions.

“Stop discrediting the institution. He can't be tarnished. There must be fairness,” the bench observed, according to Live Law. The court was responding to arguments that the DCP should be transferred pending an inquiry into the incident, which occurred during a protest by the Confederation of Indian Journalists (CJP).

Incident at Jantar Mantar

The alleged slapping took place on July 25 when a group of journalists was protesting at the historic Jantar Mantar complex. Video clips circulating on social media showed a man in plain clothes, later identified as DCP Lamba, striking a woman. The footage sparked widespread outrage and demands for his suspension.

However, the Delhi Police defended the officer, stating that the protest had turned unruly and that the DCP was trying to restore order. The force has initiated a departmental inquiry into the matter. The petitioner, a social activist, had approached the High Court seeking Lamba's immediate transfer, arguing that his continued presence in the same post would prejudice the investigation.

Fairness Before Public Outcry

The High Court's refusal to order a transfer underscores a judicial preference for letting internal disciplinary mechanisms work. The bench emphasised that removing an officer based on unsubstantiated allegations would set a dangerous precedent.

“We cannot decide cases based on what is shown on television or social media. The law must take its own course,” the court stated. It added that the DCP has a right to a fair inquiry. The court also noted that the woman protester has not yet filed a formal complaint with the police, which complicates any immediate administrative action.

What Happens Next

The Delhi Police's internal inquiry is expected to gather statements from both the complainant and witnesses. The High Court has directed the authorities to conclude the probe expeditiously, though no fixed deadline has been set. For now, DCP Lamba remains in his post, and the court has made it clear that it will not intervene unless the inquiry is shown to be biased or delayed.