Karnataka high court orders FIR against woman police officer over assault on lawyer

Bengaluru  ;The Karnataka High Court has directed the state government to register an FIR and initiate a probe against a woman police officer accused of assaulting a woman lawyer inside a police station in Bengaluru.

The order came while hearing a petition filed by advocate Nabonita Sen, who had approached the court seeking quashing of a case registered against her at Mico Layout police station. The bench, headed by Justice M. Nagaprasanna, observed that the conduct of the police officer could not be overlooked and warranted criminal investigation.

According to the petitioner, she had gone to the police station to file a complaint regarding a road rage incident. However, she was allegedly made to wait for nearly two hours, leading to an argument with the police personnel. In a moment of anger, she reportedly threw some documents placed on the table.

The court noted that CCTV footage from the station confirmed that Inspector Padmavathi assaulted the lawyer by kicking her. “Merely initiating departmental proceedings is not sufficient. An FIR must be registered and a proper investigation conducted,” the bench observed.

The court further directed that the incident be recorded in the service register of the officer and stated that she should not be considered for promotion. It also remarked that she should retire in the same rank if the allegations are proven.

At the same time, the court refused to stay the case registered against the lawyer, questioning her conduct as well. “Why did you create a ruckus inside the police station? Delay in registering a complaint does not justify such behaviour,” the bench asked.

During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel argued that the delay in filing the complaint had caused distress and even affected her professional life. The government counsel, however, said there was no objection to registering a case against the officer but opposed closing the matter, alleging that the lawyer had used inappropriate language.

The case dates back to February 23, 2025, when the lawyer alleged that an autorickshaw driver damaged her car during a road altercation. The matter escalated at the police station, resulting in the alleged assault.

The court has adjourned further hearing while directing authorities to take action.