In a shocking incident that has sent ripples through Delhi's legal circles, 30-year-old judicial officer Aman Kumar Sharma was found dead in his Safdarjung residence on May 2, 2026. The promising young judge, who had cleared the Delhi Judicial Service exam in 2021, allegedly took his own life by hanging himself in the bathroom of his Green Park flat. His family has pointed fingers at ongoing marital discord, claiming relentless mental harassment by his wife, Swati, also a judicial officer, and her sister, Nidhi Malik, an IAS officer posted in Jammu. The tragedy unfolded hours after Sharma made a desperate call to his father, expressing that life had become unbearable.

Detailed Timeline of the Heartbreaking Events

The sequence of events began late on May 1 when Sharma, overwhelmed by distress, dialed his father, advocate Prem Kumar Sharma from Alwar, Rajasthan, around 10 PM. In a voice laden with despair, he reportedly said, "It’s impossible to live now." This was not the first sign of trouble; family members later revealed that tensions had been simmering for two months.

Prem Kumar wasted no time, rushing from Alwar to Delhi, arriving around midnight. Upon reaching the flat, he confronted the situation head-on. According to relatives, an argument erupted between Sharma and his wife while the father waited outside the room. Shouts echoed through the house—Swati allegedly hurling insults at Prem Kumar, threatening to call the police if he didn't leave. Sharma was heard crying amid the chaos.

The noise suddenly ceased. When Prem Kumar inquired about his son, Swati claimed ignorance of his whereabouts. Hearing Sharma's phone ringing from the locked bathroom, the family and neighbors forced entry through a window shaft using a ladder. Guard Shankar discovered the body hanging from a shawl tied to the ceiling, with a stool nearby. Sharma was rushed to Safdarjung Hospital but was declared brought dead. The post-mortem was conducted, and his body was transported to Alwar for cremation on May 3, attended by senior judges from Delhi, Haryana, and Rajasthan.

Family's Allegations of Harassment and Betrayal

Sharma's family has been vocal, painting a picture of systematic emotional torment. Prem Kumar described his son as calm, respectful, and dedicated, someone who never aired personal grievances. Yet, they allege Swati, influenced by her powerful sister Nidhi Malik—who lives separately from her senior IPS husband in Delhi Police—had been meddling in their lives, controlling household decisions and escalating conflicts.

"He told his father that he had been harassed for the last two months," a relative quoted, emphasizing Nidhi's role in instigating Swati. After the incident, Swati reportedly fled the scene with their two young children, and no one from her side attended the funeral. The family demands a thorough, impartial probe, labeling it a "serious crime." They question how a man tasked with dispensing justice could be driven to such despair by those closest to him.

• Two months of alleged harassment by wife and sister-in-law
• Wife's threats to father during confrontation
• Sudden departure of wife with children post-incident
• No support from in-laws at funeral

Aman Kumar Sharma: From Law Student to Judicial Officer

Born in Alwar, Sharma pursued law at Symbiosis Law School, Pune, showcasing early promise. Appointed to the Delhi Judicial Service on June 19, 2021, he served as Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) at Karkardooma Courts in North East Delhi. His docket included a mix of civil and criminal matters, earning respect among peers for his diligence.

Married to batchmate Swati in a traditional Hindu ceremony, Sharma balanced a demanding career with family life, raising two children. His younger brother, battling depression post a road accident while pursuing LLB, added to familial strains. Colleagues remember him as composed, but the mounting personal pressures proved too much.

Police Inquest: No Foul Play Suspected, But Probe Continues

Delhi Police responded swiftly, initiating inquest proceedings under Section 174 CrPC. Forensic teams scoured the scene, finding no immediate evidence of foul play. Statements from family, wife, and witnesses are being recorded. A senior officer noted, "All angles are being examined." The post-mortem report is awaited, and Sharma's phone records are under scrutiny for deeper insights into his final days. As of May 3, no arrests have been made, but the family's push for accountability keeps the investigation active.

For more on the police statement, read the detailed report from Times of India.

The Mounting Mental Health Crisis in India's Judiciary

Sharma's death underscores a growing epidemic of stress among Indian judges. Overburdened dockets—India's courts face over 50 million pending cases—long hours, and high-stakes decisions extract a heavy toll. Supreme Court Justice N. Kotiswar Singh recently highlighted how workload leads to hypertension and other ailments. Studies reveal over 90% of judges experience stress, with signs like exhaustion, irritability, and sleep loss common.

While specific suicide stats for judges are scarce, the judiciary mirrors broader trends. NCRB data shows suicides rising, with family problems cited in 32% of cases. Judicial stress manifests in burnout, impairing fair judgments and personal lives. Initiatives like counseling centers in courts are proposed, but implementation lags.

Domestic Violence Against Men: An Underreported Reality

In India, where men comprise 70-75% of suicide victims, family discord tops causes at 23-32%. NCRB 2022 reported 171,000 suicides, many linked to marital strife. Men face unique barriers: societal stigma silences victims of emotional abuse, false cases under laws like Section 498A deter complaints, and lack of support systems exacerbates isolation.

Sharma's case echoes Atul Subhash's recent suicide, where similar allegations surfaced. Experts urge gender-neutral laws, helplines, and awareness. Check NCRB insights via official report.

• Family problems: 32.4% of suicides (NCRB)
• Men: 70%+ of victims
• Underreporting due to stigma

Similar Tragedies Gripping the Legal Fraternity

This is not isolated. Last month, a 26-year-old Delhi High Court advocate jumped from a Connaught Place hotel balcony. High-profile cases like advocate Vikas Mishra's 2024 suicide highlight systemic pressures. In 2023-2025, multiple judicial suicides were linked to workload and personal woes, prompting calls for reform.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Calls for Reform

Senior judges attended Sharma's funeral, signaling community shock. Legal experts advocate mandatory mental health screenings, peer support, and family counseling for judicial officers. The Supreme Court has urged wellness programs, but ground-level change is slow. Families like Sharma's plead for balanced probes into male harassment claims.

Explore judiciary stress analysis in Deccan Herald.

Photo by Brijender Dua on Unsplash

Implications for Society and the Path Ahead

Sharma's untimely death raises alarms about work-life imbalance in professions demanding impartiality. Solutions include lighter caseloads, AI case management, accessible therapy, and gender-inclusive domestic violence policies. Preventive measures like early intervention could save lives. As India grapples with rising suicides—12.3 per 100,000 in 2023—collective action is imperative.

Stakeholders must prioritize empathy, ensuring justice bearers receive justice at home and work. Sharma's legacy: a clarion call for change.