New Delhi, July 16: Observing that the injury inflicted on the head must initially attract the gravest offence until the investigation establishes otherwise, the Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Delhi Police to add the offence of attempt to murder to the FIR registered in connection with the alleged assault on Supreme Court advocate Pankaj Sharma.

The victim's lawyer has allegedly inflicted an injury to the head, which has resulted in eight stitches in the medical treatment.

The Court also ordered that the investigation be transferred from the local police to the Delhi Police Crime Branch, taking note of allegations that attempts were being made to pressure the victim into settling the matter

A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, also ordered that the investigation be transferred from the local police to the Delhi Police Crime Branch after the victim alleged that he was being pressured to settle the case.

Justice Joymalya Bagchi observed that in cases involving head injuries, police should initially presume the highest applicable offence because the full extent of damage is often not immediately evident. He explained that forensic evidence could later determine whether the charges should be reduced.

"The seriousness of a head injury cannot be judged merely by its visible extent. Since the head is a vital part of the body, the widest interpretation should be adopted before forensic examination," Justice Bagchi remarked.

Senior Advocate and Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) President Vikas Singh, appearing for the petitioner, argued that the investigation had failed to reflect the gravity of the attack and alleged that efforts were being made to pressure the victim into an amicable settlement.

Senior Advocate Vikas Pahwa alleged that the accused, who is the president of a Resident Welfare Association, was receiving protection from the local police. Senior Advocate Siddharth Dave also informed the Bench that the victim is a practising advocate before the Supreme Court.

Appearing for the Delhi Police, Attorney General R. Venkataramani said he had advised that the injured lawyer be shifted to a government hospital for a medico-legal examination to assess the injuries accurately.

During the hearing, the CJI noted that the allegations involved the use of a sharp object. However, the Attorney General said the accused claimed the injuries were caused after the victim brushed against a wall, making the medico-legal examination essential to determine the actual sequence of events.

The Supreme Court's directions are expected to ensure a more comprehensive investigation into the assault allegations.