Mumbai/New Delhi, June 8 (IANS) The Bombay Bar Association (BBA) on Monday strongly condemned reported threats, intimidation, harassment and acts of violence directed against former Bombay High Court judge Justice Gautam Patel and members of his family following a judgment delivered by him in proceedings related to the Syedna succession dispute.

In a resolution passed on Monday, the Bar Association described the media reports as a matter of “grave concern” and called for a prompt and effective investigation into the incidents. “The Association records its strongest condemnation of any attempt to threaten, intimidate, harass, assault or otherwise target a Judge or members of a Judge’s family on account of the discharge of judicial functions,” the resolution stated.

The BBA said reports that a member of Justice Patel’s family had suffered physical injury during one of the alleged incidents made the matter “particularly disturbing” and warranted the “most serious attention” of the authorities. “Violence or threats of violence against judges or their families strike at the very heart of judicial independence and constitute a blatant assault on the rule of law,” the resolution stated.

“Such conduct is not merely an attack upon an individual Judge; it is an attack upon the institution of the judiciary and the constitutional promise that disputes will be resolved by courts free from fear, favour, affection or ill-will,” the resolution added.

The Bar body stressed that judicial decisions may be questioned, criticised or challenged only through lawful and constitutional means, including appellate remedies available under law. “Resorting to threats, intimidation, coercion or violence against judges or their families has no place in a civilised society and cannot be tolerated,” it said.

Expressing solidarity with Justice Patel and his family, the BBA reaffirmed its “unwavering commitment to the independence of the judiciary, the dignity of courts and the rule of law”. The Bar Association also called upon the authorities to “conduct a prompt, thorough and effective investigation” and ensure that all those responsible are identified, apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Further, the BBA urged the Union Ministry of External Affairs to take up the matter with authorities in England and ensure the safety and security of Justice Patel’s family members. “The Bombay Bar Association expresses its earnest hope and expectation that the perpetrators of these reprehensible acts will be brought to book at the earliest and that all necessary measures will be taken to safeguard judges and their families from acts of intimidation and violence,” the resolution said.

The resolution was issued under the signature of BBA President Nitin Thakker.

–IANS

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