The Delhi High Court recently expressed disapproval of the violent confrontation that erupted among law students at Delhi University.

While denying anticipatory bail to one of the students, Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma stated,

"It is a matter of great concern that the students of law are fighting in such a manner...This court takes such incidents very seriously and is aghast to note that the law students who will in the coming years be occupying the responsible position of the lawyers or the law officers are indulging in such altercations. Such cases may on the face of it seem to be a fight between two groups, but this court is of the view that they require in depth examination and investigation."

The petitioner sought anticipatory bail from the High Court after being charged for his involvement in a late-night altercation among Delhi University 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 counsel contended that his client had only used his fists in the altercation and that the injuries sustained were minor. Additionally, the counsel claimed the case was fabricated and that a senior judicial officer, who is the complainant's uncle, was improperly influencing the investigation.

In response, the Court expressed "extreme disappointment" at the petitioner’s accusations against the senior judicial officer.

"Such kind of allegations without any basis scandalize the entire system of administration of criminal justice," it said.

The Court subsequently dismissed the petitioner’s anticipatory bail application, noting that granting it would send a misleading message.

"This court has time and again condemned the act of such free fights between the group of people. Here again, in the night around 11 p.m., the assaulters including the petitioner assaulted the complainant party with lathi, hockey and danda, I consider that granting anticipatory bail in such cases would certainly give a wrong message..."