Judges should remain immune to political pressure, says Supreme Court

The Supreme Court has set aside the Madhya Pradesh High court's order which had granted bail to Govind Singh Parihar, accused of murdering congress leader Devendra Chourasia in 2019. Parihar is the husband of MP BSP MLA Ramabai and court observed that due to political connections he was shielded by the state and the HC had ignored all materials against him while granting bail.

New Delhi:Somesh Chourasia, the son of late Congress leader Devendra Chourasia had moved the apex court challenging the Madhya Pradesh HC order on which SC pronounced its judgement today. The Apex Court said that the HC had allowed misuse of police, state by providing the accused security and hence failed to preserve the sanctity of justice. The developments come in the wake of a plea having been filed by the deceased Congress leader's son, Somesh Chourasia, alleging that the trial judge was being pressured by the BSP MLA.

The Bench of Justices DY Chandrachud and M R Shah objected to the attempts made by police officials into pressurizing the trial court judge, in a bid to protect the BSP MLA's husband. The Supreme Court also came down heavily on the State and Madhya Pradesh Police officials for having shielded Parihar. The Supreme Court made it clear saying that the colonial mindset towards the district judiciary has to change. The Court, then cancelled the bail of the accused considering the failure of the police in completing the investigation into the murder, which took place two years ago.

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The Court also observed in its order that there can not be a dual, parallel system of justice. One for the rich and other for the poor without any resources, the Court said, adding that the judiciary shall remain immune to political pressure and judges must remain undeterred and carry out justice. The Court also said that they are often targeted for standing up or being impartial. SC also disapproved the Madhya Pradesh High Court's refusal to interfere with the bail to the accused, adding that it was a clear case for bail cancellation and that the High Court has around two months to get the investigation completed.

It is known that the Supreme Court had earlier cancelled Madhya Pradesh BSP MLA Ramabai's husband Govind Singh Parihar's bail in connection with the murder case of Congress leader Devendra Chourasia. Earlier, Singh had evaded arrests despite warrants issued and had failed to comply with the orders of the Supreme court.