In a sharp rebuke to the Haryana Police, the Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered the immediate release of Advocate Vikram Singh, who had been arrested in connection with a 2023 Gurugram murder case. The arrest, which many in the legal community described as “an attack on professional independence,” drew widespread outrage from bar associations across Delhi and Haryana.
Background
Singh’s arrest traces back to the murder of Suraj Bhan, allegedly carried out by the gang of one Kapil Sangwan alias Nandu. The Gurugram Special Task Force picked up Singh on October 31, despite his prior cooperation with the investigation. He was later sent to judicial custody by a Faridabad magistrate.
According to the petition, Singh had represented one of the accused, Jyoti Prakash alias Babu, and had filed several applications before courts alleging police mistreatment of his client. His counsel, Senior Advocate Vikas Singh, argued before the apex court that the arrest was made “without furnishing written grounds,” violating the recent Supreme Court ruling in Mihir Shah v. State of Maharashtra, which mandates transparency during arrests.
Court’s Observations
The bench led by Chief Justice BR Gavai, and Justice K. Vinod Chandran and Justice N.V. Anjaria, took strong exception to the manner of Singh’s arrest. During the brief but tense hearing, Justice Gavai remarked that “an advocate cannot be treated as a criminal merely for defending his client.”
The bench observed,
"In view of the submissions and the petitioner’s professional standing, we are inclined to grant interim protection. The petitioner is not likely to abscond. As an ad-interim measure, he must be released forthwith."
The Court also directed the Registrar (Judicial) to communicate its order immediately to the Gurugram Police Commissioner, ensuring there was no delay in Singh’s release.
Decision
Allowing Singh’s plea under Article 32 of the Constitution, the Supreme Court ordered his release on a bail bond of ₹10,000, pending further proceedings. The order effectively suspends the police’s remand and signals that the judiciary views the arrest as an overreach threatening the independence of the legal profession.
Before concluding, the bench underscored that compelling an advocate to disclose client information violates both constitutional and professional privileges. The order ended with a strong caution:
“Such practices, if continued, will erode the very foundation of justice.”
With the apex court’s directive, Advocate Vikram Singh walked free by evening an outcome seen by many as a significant reaffirmation of the Bar’s autonomy and dignity.
Case Title:- Vikram Singh v. State of Haryana & Ors.
Case Number:- W.P. (Crl.) No. 471/2025
