Court Directs Law Enforcement to Ensure Safety of Narmadapuram Judicial Officer and Take Action Against Miscreants
In a significant development, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has taken suo moto cognizance of threats faced by a judicial officer in Narmadapuram. The court has directed law enforcement authorities to ensure the safety of the judicial officer, Smt. Tabassum Khan, and take stringent action against those responsible for creating an atmosphere of fear.
The bench, comprising Justice Vivek Agarwal and Justice Avanindra Kumar Singh, was apprised of the situation where Smt. Khan, an Additional Judge, was subjected to threats for passing an order against a stakeholder. The court emphasized the seriousness of the matter, highlighting that such activities undermine the independence and fearless functioning of the judiciary.
Recognizing the urgency, the court ordered the Superintendent of Police, Narmadapuram, to provide immediate protection to the judicial officer. It also directed the Director General of Police and the Additional Chief Secretary/Principal Secretary (Home) to submit affidavits detailing the actions taken against the perpetrators.
During the hearing, it was revealed that an FIR had been registered, but the court insisted on further action to ensure accountability. The court reminded that any judicial order is open to scrutiny through legal avenues such as appeals or revisions, and judicial officers must not be intimidated for their lawful decisions.
The matter is scheduled for further hearing on July 9, 2026, with the court expecting detailed reports on the measures taken to uphold judicial independence and safety.
Bottom line:-
Judicial independence and fearless functioning of judicial officers are integral to the justice delivery system. Any threat to judicial officers for passing orders is a serious matter that hampers judicial independence and must be addressed promptly by law enforcement authorities.
Statutory provision(s):
- Judicial independence and protection
- Administrative directions to law enforcement
- Judicial scrutiny through appeal or revision
