The Madhya Pradesh High Court has ordered police protection for Additional Sessions Judge Tabassum Khan after she allegedly faced threats following her verdict in a 2022 lynching case. Taking note of news reports about the threats, the court said such actions directly affect judicial independence and prevent judicial officers from performing their duties fearlessly. The High Court described the matter as serious and stressed that judges cannot be threatened simply because their decisions are disliked by a section of society.

A division bench comprising Justices Vivek Agarwal and Avanindra Kumar Singh took cognisance of reports concerning the threats faced by the judge. The court directed the Director General of Police and the Additional Chief Secretary or Principal Secretary of the Home Department to submit responses explaining the steps being taken to identify and book those responsible. The bench also ordered immediate police protection for Judge Tabassum Khan to ensure her safety.

The threats were allegedly made after Judge Khan delivered a verdict on June 12 in a lynching case dating back to August 2022. She sentenced seven men to life imprisonment for the killing of truck driver Sheikh Lala Nazir Ahmed. The victim had been brutally beaten to death after being suspected of involvement in cow smuggling, and the case later resulted in the conviction of the seven accused.

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The High Court observed that judicial officers must be allowed to perform their duties independently and without fear of retaliation. It said no judge could be threatened merely for passing an order that may not be acceptable to certain individuals or groups. The bench emphasised that attempts to intimidate judges over their judicial decisions pose a direct threat to the independence and proper functioning of the justice system.

In its order, the court said such activities hamper the fearless working of judicial officers and cannot be ignored. The judges stressed that judicial independence is a fundamental part of the legal system and that authorities have a responsibility to protect judges from intimidation. The court's intervention came after reports suggested that Judge Khan faced threats because of the life sentences imposed in the sensitive lynching case.

The High Court has now sought details from senior state and police officials about the action being taken against those allegedly responsible for the threats. By ordering security for Judge Khan, the court has underlined the need to protect judicial officers from pressure or intimidation linked to their verdicts. Further action is expected after the state government and police authorities submit their responses before the court.

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