After Threats To Judge In Lynching Case, MP High Court Flags Security Risks Of Judges Living In Rented Houses; Seeks State's Housing Plan
In its suo moto case concerning threats to a District Judge over her verdict against cow vigilantes in a lynching case, the Madhya Pradesh High Court emphasized on the security of judges, noting that the State should ensure there are sufficient structures to provide government accommodations to all district judges/magistrates. Noting that most judges live in rented houses, the division bench...
In its suo moto case concerning threats to a District Judge over her verdict against cow vigilantes in a lynching case, the Madhya Pradesh High Court emphasized on the security of judges, noting that the State should ensure there are sufficient structures to provide government accommodations to all district judges/magistrates.
Noting that most judges live in rented houses, the division bench of Justice Anand Pathak and Justice BP Sharma remarked;
"Very large number of Judges are not having official/Government accommodations, they are residing in rented houses in cities. This exposes them to public at large. They cannot maintain privacy and aloofness, which is required and expected from Judges. Not only this, in absence of any proper residential colonies for Judges, ensuring their privacy and security become a remote possibility".
A few days ago, LiveLaw had reported about the online posts which targeted the Judge based on her religious identity and issued threats to her after she sentenced 7 persons to life imprisonment for lynching Sheikh Lala Nazir Ahmed, a truck driver, in 2022, over suspicions of cow smuggling.
Calling the development "a serious matter", the High Court had observed that such conduct directly undermines the independence of the judiciary and had directed the State to extend protection.
Yesterday, the court noted, "Since the matter pertains to security of Judges of district judiciary, who adjudicate criminal trials, family disputes, civil disputes, M.P./M.L.A. court cases and other contentious issues, therefore they are exposed to accused/litigants more. Therefore, ensuring their security is the prime duty of State so as to get fair, transparent and independent adjudication of disputes."
Further, the court emphasized on the State's duty to ensure the availability of sufficient funds to create a housing project for judges so that "they can maintain aloofness and feel secure with their families".
Therefore, the court directed the Additional Chief Secretary to file an affidavit on what measures are being taken to address this issue. The court further remarked,
"If State Government is serious about maintaining security and well-being of Judges of district judiciary, then State will definitely come out with some concrete plan to address the housing problem faced by Judges/Magistrates of district judiciary. This will address most of the problems faced by Judges".
The court also granted liberty to the Intervener/ Judges Association to suggest other remedial measures before the next date of hearing. The case is now listed for August 25.
Case Title: In Reference (Suo Moto) v State of MP, WP No. 12756 of 2016