The timing of the transfer of Delhi High Court Judge Justice S Muralidhar is questionable. It came a day after he had slammed the police for not registering a case against three BJP leaders for their alleged hate speeches. The transfer was clubbed with two others, but the Wednesday night order does appear controversial.
The crux of the controversy is in the timing. The Supreme Court had recommended the transfer on February 12, but it was accepted only on Wednesday, hours after a bench headed by Justice Muralidhar expressed ‘anguish’ over Delhi Police’s failure to register FIRs against alleged hate speeches. The judge was even praised for his ‘courageous stand’, and then came the transfer order.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
The people of India firmly believe that the judiciary remains upright and independent. They also believe that this freedom has to be respected by the political class. The least that can be done is to keep the transfer in abeyance so that the judiciary does not feel slighted. It will also quell the speculation that has arisen.
The independence of all institutions, be it the Police, all the investigating authorities, the Election Commission, even the media, has to be respected and maintained. That is the hallmark of a true democracy. The people of India expect nothing less than this.
