SCBA condemns threats against MP district judge

The Supreme Court Bar Association on Friday condemned alleged threats, abusive social media campaign and acts of intimidation directed against Additional District and Sessions Judge Tabassum Khan following her judgment sentencing members of a cow vigilante group in a lynching case.

“The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) expects the High Court of Madhya Pradesh and the government of Madhya Pradesh to ensure a prompt, fair and effective investigation into the matter, identify all those responsible for issuing threats or inciting hatred against the judicial officer, and take strict action against them in accordance with law,” the bar body said in a statement issued by its secretary Pragya Baghel.

The bar body said reports indicated that the judicial officer was subjected to threats and online abuse after pronouncing a verdict in a criminal case, resulting in the registration of an FIR and the enhancement of her security.

“The district judiciary is the foundation of our justice delivery system. Judicial officers across the country decide thousands of sensitive civil and criminal cases every day. They deserve the assurance that the law will protect them whenever they faithfully discharge their constitutional responsibilities,” it said.

The statement said the SCBA stood firmly in support of the judge and reiterated its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the independence, dignity and impartiality of the judiciary.