Supreme Court expresses disappointment over conduct of CBI on complaints from judges about threats

By - Divisha Srivastava*

The Supreme Court, expressing disappointment over the CBI and the IB, stated that the agencies are “not aiding the judiciary at all” in cases pertaining to judges’ security. According to the report, judges' concerns are ignored by the police and the CBI.

According to the bench, some courts had ordered CBI investigation in a few cases but the CBI has done nothing. “I think we have expected some changes in CBI’s attitude. But there is no change in the attitude of the CBI. I am sorry to observe this but this is the situation”. The CJI told Attorney General K K Venugopal, whose assistance has been sought by the court on this issue.

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As per Live Law reports, the CJI also drew attention to a “new tendency in our country” of criticising the court when it makes unfavourable rulings. “Judges are ignored when they file a complaint with the police or the CBI. The Intelligence Bureau and the CBI are not aiding the judiciary in any way,”  CJI said, emphasising that he was speaking on his own behalf.

“Look at the unfortunate case of the death of a young judge. It’s the state’s failure. This area has coal mafias and security should have been provided to the society and residences of judges,” the CJI said, according to Indian Express.

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The bench noted that an application had been made alleging that anti-social forces are infiltrating courts and that security measures be implemented to allow judges to operate independently. The court ordered the Centre to file a response.

These remarks were made during the hearing of the suo motu case regarding protection of judges in light of the death of ASJ Uttam Anand in Dhanbad, Jharkhand last week.

*Divisha Srivastava is a 1st year student pursuing B.B.A.LL.B from S.N.D.T School of Law, Mumbai, Maharashtra.