Pradyuman Bisht vs. Union Of India Department Of Justice Through Secretary

ITEM NO.28 Court 1 (Video Conferencing) SECTION PIL-W

S U P R E M E C O U R T O F I N D I A RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

Suo Motu Writ Petition (Criminal) No(s).2/2021

IN RE : SAFEGUARDING COURTS AND PROTECTING JUDGES (DEATH OF ADDITIONAL SESSIONS JUDGE, DHANBAD)

Date : 30-07-2021 This petition was called on for hearing today.

CORAM :

Digitally signed by MEENAKSHI KOHLI Date: 2021.07.30

HON'BLE THE CHIEF JUSTICE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SURYA KANT

For Petitioner(s) By Courts Motion, AOR

For Respondent(s)

O R D E R

An unfortunate incident took place on Wednesday when an Additional Sessions Judge posted at Dhanbad was hit by an autorickshaw and he died as a result of the injuries caused to him. This gruesome incident has been widely reported in newspapers, and video clippings of the incident are also being circulated on social media platforms, suggesting that it was not a case of simplicitor road accident. Yesterday, this incident was also brought to the notice of this Court by the President of the Supreme Court Bar Association.

This Court is cognizant of the fact that the High Court of Jharkhand has taken note of the nature of the incident and has initiated necessary action to ensure that the State Government protects the law and order situation within and outside the Court premises. Signature Not Verified

Having regard to the seriousness of the issue and its larger ramifications, we direct the Chief Secretary and Director General 19:52:00 IST Reason:

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of Police, State of Jharkhand to jointly submit a status report of inquiry vis-a-vis the sad demise of the Judicial Officer Shri Uttam Anand, with the Registry of this Court within a week's time.

However, we make it very clear that we are not interfering in the proceedings going on before the High Court of Jharkhand.

It has been brought to the notice of this Court that similar incidents are happening across the country. Taking into consideration the duty and obligation of the State to create an environment and accord full protection to judicial officers as well as the legal fraternity so that they can perform their duties fearlessly, we deem it appropriate to take up this matter suo motu. As there is an urgent need for wider consideration and consequential detailed explanation(s) by all concerned, we will consider the desirability of issuing notice to all other States and Union Territories on the next date of hearing.

List the matter after one week, on 06.08.2021.

We further direct the Advocate General of the State of Jharkhand to appear before this Court on the next date of hearing.

Registry to serve a copy of this order to the Advocate General of the State of Jharkhand forthwith. A copy of this order may also be served on the Learned Attorney General for his assistance in this matter.

(ARJUN BISHT) (R.S. NARAYANAN)

COURT MASTER (SH) COURT MASTER (NSH)

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