A judicial transfer in Uttar Pradesh has ignited a fierce political showdown. Congress media head Pawan Khera accused the BJP of orchestrating the move to tame the judiciary, spotlighting the reassignment of Sambhal CJM Vibhanshu Sudhir.
Speaking at a packed presser, Khera lambasted Yogi Adityanath’s administration for aping controversial tactics. ‘Don’t foist Gujarat-style experiments on UP,’ he urged, amid reports of furious lawyers in Sambhal chanting slogans against the government.
The controversy traces back to Sudhir’s bold January 19 order: an FIR against police officials for a youth’s shooting in the November 2024 Sambhal clashes. Hours later, the High Court transferred him to a demoted role in Sultanpur. A replacement judge met swift bar association backlash and was quietly removed.
Khera amplified his claims with a Babu Bajrangi video, alleging it proved judge-swapping to aid riot accused during Gujarat’s tenure under the then-CM. He linked it to Delhi riots, where Justice Murlidhar’s transfer followed anti-BJP orders, and Gujarat cases shielding Vanzara, Kodnani, and Bajrangi.
‘BJP wants control over courts,’ Khera asserted. ‘This isn’t justice; it’s a dangerous model for democracy.’ He mocked the dual strategies: outright replacement or covert relocation.
Nationwide discontent brews, Khera said—youth, women, laborers, students, clergy, and middle class all fed up. Congress pledges solidarity with protesting lawyers defending judicial autonomy.
As the Allahabad High Court reshuffles 14 officers, questions swirl about political influence. Khera ended with a stark warning: when leaders prioritize bias over fairness, democracy crumbles. The legal community must unite to safeguard the scales of justice.
