In light of recent disruptions in the Ghaziabad District Court, the Uttar Pradesh Judicial Service Association (UPJSA) convened an emergency online meeting to discuss mounting concerns about abuse, threats, and vandalism by certain advocates toward judicial officers.

The association expressed alarm over an incident in which a group of advocates allegedly pressured, verbally abused, and vandalized the courtroom of the District Judge, Ghaziabad, affecting judicial dignity and morale. The meeting attendees condemned the incident, stressing that such behavior undermines the impartiality and independence of the judiciary.

"In the light of the concern expressed by judicial officers from various districts regarding the dignity of the courts being affected by the misbehavior, abuse, vandalism done by some advocates in the court room with the District Judge, Ghaziabad with the aim of affecting the judicial work and the one-sided video/photographs posted on the social media related to the incident, an online meeting of the UP Judicial Service Association Executive was held today at 9.00 am in which discussions were held regarding the incident that took place in the District Court, Ghaziabad," the Association's letter dated October 30 read.

In its letter addressed to the Secretary General of the Allahabad High Court, the association highlighted an ongoing issue of judicial officers facing false allegations, threats, and pressure tactics aimed at influencing judicial decisions. This, they argued, is an affront to judicial integrity, often spreading a one-sided narrative on social media that erodes public trust. Judicial officers, bound by professional restraint, are unable to publicly counter these narratives, exacerbating the challenges to their dignity.

"The manner in which some advocates used foul language, pressurized the District Judge and abused him and vandalized the court of Ghaziabad District Judge is an insult to judicial dignity. Judicial officers are unable to present their views properly before the general public or the media due to their official dignity, As a result, only a one-sided version of the incident that happened in the court is made public before the general public," it stated.

Further, the letter stated, "The UP Judicial Service Association Executive expressed concern over such incidents that are happening continuously. During the meeting, the members of the Executive expressed anger and concern over the incident that happened in Ghaziabad District and strongly condemned the incident, and a proposal was passed to submit a representation to the Hon'ble High Court and request for taking appropriate action in this regard. The manner in which pressure was exerted in the court room of Ghaziabad District Judge to obtain a desired order and the manner in which unruly and insulting behaviour was used in the courtroom to achieve that objective, on one hand the dignity of the court has been affected and on the other hand, it has also had an adverse effect on the morale of the judicial officers."

A formal representation has been proposed to be submitted to the High Court, urging action to safeguard judicial officers and their families and to issue guidelines reinforcing judicial independence and security. The UPJSA called for systemic measures to address this concerning trend, ensuring that judicial officers can operate without undue influence, intimidation, or interference.

Uttar Pradesh

Sukriti Mishra