Court declines CBI probe; directs petitioners to approach Delhi Police Commissioner and grants liberty to move Delhi High Court if required.
Supreme Court Grants Liberty to Approach Police Authorities
The Supreme Court on Wednesday permitted the petitioners to approach the Commissioner of Police, Delhi, seeking protection for the family of 27-year-old Tarun Butolia, who died in a violent clash during Holi celebrations in Uttam Nagar, Delhi.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice Vipul Pancholi passed the order in a writ petition filed by Hari Shankar Jain, Ashish Kumar Dwivedi, Harinandan Singh, and Yogesh Kumar.
The Court observed that the reliefs sought by the petitioners largely pertained to administrative concerns relating to safety and security of the victim’s family. It held that such issues fall within the domain of the Delhi Police.
“The petitioners have sought certain directions with respect to an unfortunate incident of March 4, 2026 resulting in untimely death of a 27-year-old young individual besides multiple injuries to [others]. We find that some of the directions sought are essentially administrative issues re safety and security of individuals from the victim’s family. This aspect can be well examined by the Delhi police, for which we grant liberty to the petitioners to submit a comprehensive representation to the Commissioner of Police,” the Court recorded.
Liberty Granted to Approach Delhi High Court
The Bench further clarified that the petitioners may approach the Delhi High Court if their grievances remain unaddressed after making a representation to the police authorities.
“There is no gainsaying that the police authorities will evaluate the threat perception and will take remedial measures as may be required. If the petitioners’ grievances are still not effectively addressed, liberty is granted to approach the High Court,” the Court stated.
Court Declines CBI Investigation
During the hearing, Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, appearing for the petitioners, submitted that the incident involved a brutal lynching triggered by a dispute over a water balloon during Holi. He referred to the Supreme Court’s judgment in Tehseen Poonawalla and argued that the Court should ensure remedial measures for the victim’s family.
Responding to the submissions, the Chief Justice expressed reservations about directing a CBI probe, noting the agency’s existing workload. “Every day CBI people come and raise their hands…their hands are full,” he remarked.
Subsequently, counsel for the petitioners clarified that they were not pressing for a CBI investigation and instead sought protective and remedial measures for the family.
Court Advises Petitioners to Approach Appropriate Forums
When the petitioners’ counsel referred to a Delhi High Court judgment, the Chief Justice declined to examine the issue, observing that the said judgment was not under challenge before the Court.
“Please go to Delhi High Court. Investigation is going on. Delhi police is a fairly professional police. Don’t demoralize the entire forces like this,” CJI Kant stated.
The Court reiterated that the petitioners should first approach the Commissioner of Police, Delhi, and thereafter avail appropriate remedies before the Delhi High Court if necessary.
Background of the Incident
According to the Delhi Police, Tarun Butolia died following a clash between neighbouring families belonging to Hindu and Muslim communities over a dispute arising from the throwing of a water balloon during Holi celebrations on March 4, 2026.
Case Details
Case Title: Hari Shankar Jain and Ors. v. Union of India and Ors.
Case No.: W.P.(C) No. 336/2026.
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