Advocates’ association writes to CJI, seeks suo motu PIL into death threat to 6 judges

BENGALURU: Following the death threat to six judges of the Karnataka High Court, the Advocates’ Association, Bengaluru, has written to Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud to take up a suo motu public interest litigation (PIL) to bring the accused to book.

In the letter, the association said, “The recent incident in Karnataka, regarding the threat posed to 6 judges of the High Court of Karnataka has sent shock waves amongst the public and the lawyer fraternity. It appears that a WhatsApp communication has been sent asking for heavy ransom and threatening to kill the 6 judges. If such incidents are allowed to proliferate, it will allow outside forces to interfere with our institutions and is a threat to the independence of courts. Bold and fearless judgeship is very important and is an essential facet of the independence of the judiciary”.

Further, the association said, “…the time has come to review the entire system of protection given to judges and to ensure it meets the modern-day challenges. People will lose confidence in the judiciary if it can be threatened in such a manner”. The association asked the CJI to initiate a suo motu PIL to bring the offenders to book and to ensure protection for the judges.