'Goondas' In Uniform Assault Judge In Bihar
Linus tackles things head-on. He takes sides in his analysis and it fits excellently with our editorial policy. No 'maybe's' and 'allegedly' for him, only things in black and white.
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By Linus Garg
First publised on 2021-11-19 08:50:24
About the Author
Linus tackles things head-on. He takes sides in his analysis and it fits excellently with our editorial policy. No 'maybe's' and 'allegedly' for him, only things in black and white.
View all posts by this Author
Police forces all over the world are subject to the jurisdiction of the judiciary as they enforce laws of the land which are interpreted and decided upon by the courts. But when ranking police officers start thinking that a 'lowly' judge does not have the 'power' to question them, things start getting out of hand, as they did in Jhanjharpur sub-divisional court in Madhubani in Bihar. Enraged that the additional district judge, Judge Avinash Kumar, had the 'audacity' to summon him, Goghardiha station house officer (SHO) Gopal Krishna Yadav allegedly barged into the chambers of Judge Kumar along with a few other policemen and roughed him up. He also allegedly pointed a gun at the judge. The policemen were overpowered by court staff, lawyers and other visitors to the court when they entered the chamber after hearing the commotion. Two policemen were reportedly arrested.
It seems that the police force in the area was long wanting to get 'even' with the judge whom they viewed as being against the force. The judge had earlier recommended that the Madhubani SP be sent for training in law and the use of proper sections in criminal cases. The policemen who roughed him also accused him of causing problems for the SP. It also seems that the attack was pre-planned.
The Patna HC has taken suo motu cognizance of the incident and has summoned Bihar director-general of police, S.K. Singhal to be present in court on November 29. This is a very serious incident and strong action must be taken against these goondas in uniform. Policemen not bowing before the judiciary or not following its directives will create a situation when there will be complete lawlessness and the judiciary's position will be severely undermined. If police officers think that a judge regularly harasses them, they seek judicial remedy by approaching a higher court. But threatening behavior and hooliganism of the kind displayed in Jhanjahrpur cannot be tolerated.
