The Madhya Pradesh High Court has taken serious note of alleged threats issued against a judicial officer after she delivered a judgment in a criminal case, observing that such conduct undermines judicial independence and the fearless functioning of courts. The court directed the State's top police and home department officials to explain the action taken against those responsible.
Background of the Case
The issue surfaced during the hearing of a pending suo motu writ petition concerning judicial officers in the State. The Division Bench was informed through submissions by counsel and media reports that Judge Tabassum Khan, Additional Judge, Seonimalva, posted at the Court of the First District and Additional Sessions Judge, Narmadapuram, had allegedly received threats after delivering a judgment in a criminal case.
According to reports placed before the court, the threats followed her verdict in a lynching case involving the killing of a truck driver over allegations of cow smuggling. The High Court clarified that it was not examining the merits of that judgment but was concerned with the alleged attempts to intimidate a judicial officer for performing her judicial duties.
Court Observation
A Division Bench of Justice Vivek Agarwal and Justice Avanindra Kumar Singh termed the development "a serious matter" and stressed that judges must be able to discharge their duties without fear.
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The Bench observed,
"Such activities directly hampers the judicial independence and fearless working of our Judicial Officers."
It further noted,
"Any order passed by the Judicial Officer is subject to judicial scrutiny... but our judicial officer cannot be threatened merely because he or she chooses to pass a particular order."
Decision
The High Court directed the Director General of Police and the Additional Chief Secretary/Principal Secretary (Home) to file personal affidavits within three days detailing the action taken against those allegedly responsible for the threats.
It also ordered continued police protection for Judge Tabassum Khan and asked the Superintendent of Police, Narmadapuram, to submit an affidavit explaining the investigation and action taken. The State informed the court that an FIR had already been registered.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on July 9, 2026.
Case Details
Case Title: In Reference (Suo Moto) (Judicial Officers of the State of M.P.) v. State of Madhya Pradesh & Others
Case Number: WP No. 12756 of 2016
Judge: Justice Vivek Agarwal and Justice Avanindra Kumar Singh
Decision Date: July 1, 2026
