Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The Congress party has strongly criticized the sudden transfer of Sambhal’s Chief Judicial Magistrate Vibhanśu Sudheer, calling it a direct attack on judicial independence. On Saturday, the party urged both the Supreme Court and the Allahabad High Court to take suo motu cognizance of the matter.
Congress: BJP Undermining Democratic Institutions
Pawan Khera, head of the Congress Media and Publicity Department, accused the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh of systematically dismantling democratic institutions. He claimed that Sudheer’s transfer was not a routine administrative move but a deliberate act of institutional interference aimed at suppressing judicial autonomy.
Magistrate Punished for Demanding Accountability
Khera alleged that the BJP’s political strategy involves spreading communal tension, shielding culprits, and crushing any institution that dares to demand accountability. He said that during the Sambhal violence, police recklessly opened fire, leading to three deaths. On January 9, Magistrate Sudheer had ordered an FIR against controversial police officer Anuj Chaudhary and others involved, which allegedly triggered his immediate transfer as a punitive measure.
Judiciary Intimidated, Says Congress
Khera called this transfer a “copybook example” of how the ruling party is attempting to hijack the judiciary for political gain. He accused the government of sending a clear warning to the judiciary that upholding the law could come at a personal cost.
Congress Warns of Dangerous Precedent
He compared the situation to earlier cases in Gujarat, claiming that key figures like DG Vanzara, Maya Kodnani, and Babu Bajrangi were granted relief through changes in judges. Khera praised the legal community for standing up for democracy and justice, stating that such solidarity is essential when constitutional values are under threat.
