Prayagraj (UP), March 17 The Allahabad High Court Bar Association has objected to observations reportedly made by the Supreme Court regarding a high court judge granting bail in a large number of dowry death cases.
Reacting to media reports, Bar Association president Rakesh Pandey said the remarks made by the apex court give the impression that the judge’s approach in granting bail was questionable, which he termed “inappropriate”.
He was referring to a report that the apex court had criticised a high court judge granting bail in 508 out of 510 dowry death cases.
"Some judges are strict while others are liberal. If a judge rejects bail in 508 out of 510 cases, would that also be viewed with suspicion and invite similar remarks?" Pandey said.
He added that such observations could adversely affect the independence, impartiality and functioning of judges. "This kind of commentary creates fear among judges. Ultimately, it is not the government but the public that suffers," he said.
Pandey further said that for most citizens, the high court is effectively the final forum for justice, as they are often unable to approach the Supreme Court if their bail pleas are rejected.
He stressed that such remarks do not set a healthy precedent and called for introspection on the issue.