Bar Bodies Denounce Intimidation of Judicial Officer
The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has issued a strong condemnation of the threats, abusive social media campaigns, and acts of intimidation directed against Additional District and Sessions Judge Tabassum Khan of Madhya Pradesh. Judge Khan presided over the case that resulted in life imprisonment for 14 members of a cow vigilante group convicted for the 2022 lynching of a Muslim man on allegations of cattle smuggling.
In a statement released on Friday, SCBA Secretary Pragya Baghel declared: “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.”
Online Abuse Follows Life Sentence Verdict
According to the SCBA statement, reports indicate that Judge Khan was subjected to threats and online abuse immediately after pronouncing the verdict in the criminal case. The situation escalated to the point where an FIR was registered and her security was enhanced to ensure her safety.
The Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) also voiced its condemnation of the threats and targeted social media campaigns against Judge Khan. In a statement issued on Wednesday, SCAORA emphasized that judicial orders must be challenged solely through legal remedies and not by intimidation or personal attacks against judges.
SCAORA Upholds Principle of Legal Challenge
“The Supreme Court Advocates on Record Association unequivocally condemns the threats and targeted social media campaign against Ms. Tabassum Khan, Additional District and Sessions Judge, Madhya Pradesh, following the discharge of her judicial duties,” SCAORA stated.
Both bar associations have called for strict legal action against those responsible for inciting hatred and issuing threats, underscoring the importance of protecting judicial independence and the rule of law.
