New Delhi, Jun 8 The Bar Association of India on Monday strongly condemned the alleged threats, intimidation and violence directed against former Bombay High Court judge Justice Gautam Patel and his family over a 2024 judgment in the Dawoodi Bohra succession dispute.
In a statement, Bar Association president Prashant Kumar called the incidents a serious attack on judicial independence and the rule of law.
In April 2024, Justice Patel had upheld Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin's position as the 53rd Dai al-Mutlaq (leader) of the Dawoodi Bohra community, noting that he had a valid appointment.
Referring to media reports, the association said the alleged acts against Justice Patel occurred over nearly 10 months across India and the United Kingdom, and included anonymous threats demanding that he publicly recant his verdict, a break-in at a family residence, an assault on his daughter in London and a fresh written threat received on June 5.
"The demand that a judge disown a verdict by video, under coercion, is an attempt to substitute intimidation for adjudication," the statement said.
The Bar Association said judicial decisions could only be challenged through lawful constitutional remedies and noted that the judgment was already under challenge before a division bench of the Bombay High Court.
The association urged authorities in India and the UK to conduct a prompt and thorough investigation and ensure that those responsible were prosecuted.
It also called upon the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian High Commission in London to coordinate with British authorities to ensure the safety of Justice Patel's family.
The association reaffirmed its solidarity with Justice Patel and endorsed the Bombay Bar Association's June 8 resolution on the issue.
