Congress condemns BJP over Sambhal CJM’s transfer, alleges attack on judicial independence

The Congress on Saturday accused the BJP-led government of undermining judicial independence and weakening democratic institutions following the sudden transfer of Sambhal Chief Judicial Magistrate Vibhanshu Sudheer, calling the move “punitive” and politically motivated.

Addressing a press briefing, Congress leader Pawan Khera described the transfer as a deliberate assault on the judiciary, alleging it was retaliation for judicial actions holding police accountable for communal violence in Sambhal. He warned that the message was clear: challenging the BJP’s police forces would result in consequences.

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The controversy centres on communal clashes in Sambhal, where police firing resulted in the deaths of three Muslims, sparking demands for an independent investigation. Sudheer had ordered the registration of an FIR against the police officials involved in the incident shortly before his transfer, within four months of his posting.

Congress raised concerns about the timing and initial attempt to replace Sudheer with a judge linked to a controversial Jama Masjid survey, viewing it as an effort to manipulate judicial postings for political control.

Khera accused the BJP of manufacturing communal tensions, enabling state violence, protecting perpetrators, and suppressing accountability, with Sambhal as the latest example. He called the transfer a violation of constitutional principles separating judiciary and executive power, urging the Supreme Court and Allahabad High Court to intervene promptly to protect judicial independence and uphold the rule of law.