Bombay Bar Association Urges MEA to Protect Justice Patel's Family

The Bombay Bar Association (BBA) on Monday expressed serious concern over alleged threats and attacks targeting former Bombay High Court judge Justice Gautam Patel and his family, reportedly linked to a judgment he delivered in 2024 concerning the religious leadership succession dispute within the Dawoodi Bohra community. The association described the incidents as a matter of grave concern and called for urgent action to safeguard the retired judge’s family.

In a resolution passed on Monday, the BBA urged the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to immediately take up the issue with authorities in the United Kingdom, where members of Justice Patel’s family are currently residing. The association stressed the need for swift diplomatic intervention to ensure their safety and security amid reports of threats and intimidation.

The lawyers’ body stated that any attempt to target a judge or their family over a judicial decision undermines the rule of law and threatens the independence of the judiciary. It warned that such actions could have a chilling effect on judges who are expected to discharge their constitutional duties without fear, favor, or external pressure.

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Justice Gautam Patel retired from the Bombay High Court in 2024 after a distinguished judicial career. Before his retirement, he delivered a verdict in a dispute relating to the succession and religious leadership of the Dawoodi Bohra community, a case that attracted considerable public attention due to its significance within the community.

The BBA, one of the oldest and most prominent associations of advocates practicing before the Bombay High Court, said the alleged threats and attacks go beyond an individual judge and represent an attack on the institution of justice itself. The association reiterated that judicial officers must be protected from retaliation arising out of decisions delivered in the course of their official duties.

The development has sparked concern within legal circles, with members of the bar emphasizing the importance of preserving judicial independence and ensuring the safety of judges even after retirement. The association has called upon the government and relevant authorities to act decisively so that confidence in the justice system remains intact and judicial officers can continue to perform their responsibilities without intimidation.

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