Congress Alleges BJP Interference in Judiciary Over Sambhal Judge’s Transfer
Party claims transfer of Sambhal CJM reflects an attempt to influence judicial independence in Uttar Pradesh.
The Congress on Saturday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to influence the judiciary following the transfer of Sambhal Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Vibhanshu Sudheer in Uttar Pradesh.
Addressing a press conference at the Congress headquarters in New Delhi, party Media In-charge Pawan Khera said the transfer has caused widespread anger among lawyers in Sambhal. He claimed that protests and slogans are being raised, reflecting growing public concern across different sections of society.
Khera alleged that the transfer was part of a “tested model” used by the BJP to control judicial outcomes. He referred to a video related to Gujarat riots accused Babu Bajrangi, claiming it showed how judges were changed in the past to influence verdicts. According to him, a similar approach is now being applied in Uttar Pradesh.
The Congress leader said the party stands firmly with the lawyers of Sambhal, adding that the transfer demonstrates an attempt to undermine judicial independence. “This clearly shows how the BJP wants to control the judiciary,” he said.
The controversy comes after the Allahabad High Court recently ordered the transfer of 14 judicial officers, including Sudheer. He has now been posted as Civil Judge (Senior Division) in Sultanpur.
The transfer took place days after Sudheer, on January 19, directed Sambhal police to register an FIR against the then Circle Officer Anuj Chaudhary and the Station House Officer in connection with the shooting of a youth during the Sambhal violence in November 2024. Following this order, the police had announced plans to challenge the directive in the Allahabad High Court.
Khera claimed that after the transfer, a new judge was appointed in Sambhal, but was later removed quietly following protests by local lawyers. He further alleged that similar transfers have occurred in the past to alter judicial decisions.
Citing other examples, Khera referred to the Delhi riots case, where he claimed Justice S. Muralidhar was transferred after passing orders against BJP leaders. He also pointed to past cases in Gujarat involving individuals such as D.G. Vanzara, Maya Kodnani, and Babu Bajrangi, alleging that judicial changes led to relief for the accused.
Describing such practices as dangerous for democracy, Khera said public faith in justice depends on the independence of the judiciary. He warned that if political considerations influence judicial decisions, it could seriously weaken democratic institutions.
The Congress leader said the party supports the legal community’s protests and urged Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath not to adopt what he called the “Gujarat model” in the state, arguing that it would deny justice to ordinary citizens.
