CJI Meets UK High Commissioner Over Death Threats to Retired Judge and Family
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant met with the Indian High Commissioner in London to address death threats and intimidating letters received by retired Bombay High Court Judge Gautam Patel and his family. The threats are linked to a 2024 judgment Patel delivered in a succession case involving the spiritual leader of the Dawoodi Bohra community, with letters demanding he recant his verdict. The CJI was assured security arrangements are in place and has directed the acting chief justice of Bombay HC to take appropriate judicial and administrative steps.
Chief Justice Surya Kant, during an official visit to the UK, met with Indian High Commissioner P Kumaran to address escalating threats against retired Bombay High Court Judge Gautam Patel and his family. Justice Patel has received multiple anonymous letters over the past 10 months, with the most recent threat letter delivered to his daughter's residence in London. The intimidation is connected to a 2024 judgment Patel issued in a case concerning the succession and identity of the Syedna, the spiritual leader of the Dawoodi Bohra community—a case currently pending appeal. Justice Patel noted the strategic nature of targeting his daughter in London rather than him in Mumbai, exploiting jurisdictional gaps between the two countries. The High Commissioner indicated the threats originated in India and are related to local parties involved in the Maharashtra case. The CJI has directed the acting chief justice of Bombay HC to take appropriate steps on both judicial and administrative fronts.
What's missing
The articles do not provide details about the specific claims made by the opposing party in the Syedna succession case or their perspective on the judgment, which would help readers understand the full context of the dispute. Additionally, there is limited information about the nature and content of the previous threatening letters received over the 10-month period.
What different sources said
- Times of IndiaCenter
CJI meets high commissioner in UK, seeks cover for ex-judge, kin
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