In a concerning development reported from South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, senior judicial officers from the Diamond Harbour Sub-divisional court have officially raised alarms over safety issues surrounding their residences. The District Judge of South 24 Parganas forwarded a letter to the Calcutta High Court Registrar (Inspection) on Monday, spotlighting the disturbing incidents.
The letter delineated a series of troubling events where miscreants were reportedly seen loitering outside the judges’ residential quarters late at night. These individuals, allegedly with the backing of certain police officers, engaged in disruptive activities such as cutting off electricity supplies and creating disturbances, purportedly to intimidate the judges.
This move comes after three senior judges at the Diamond Harbour court voiced their concerns over potential ulterior motives behind these actions, linking them to the recent decisions made in sensitive POCSO cases. They expressed fears that these could be attempts to coerce the judiciary into passing favorable rulings under duress.
The complaint also noted a lackluster response from the local police when assistance was initially requested, further complicating the judges’ ability to secure their premises and ensure their personal safety.
The district judge’s letter emphatically stated that such incidents “surely put the safety and security of the Judicial Officers at stake and may be a ploy to infuse fear amongst the judicial fraternity of the Sub-Divisional Court.”
The Calcutta High Court has yet to respond to the forwarded complaint. This situation underscores the ongoing challenges and risks faced by the judiciary, particularly in handling cases that invoke strong reactions and potential backlash from affected parties. The community and local authorities are urged to take swift action to safeguard the judges and uphold the integrity of the judicial process.
