Delhi judge transferred over criticising Modi govt for communal riots

At least 42 people killed, over 200 injured in anti-Muslim citizenship law protests since Sunday

Amid flaring tensions over the controversial citizenship bill in India, a Delhi High Court judge was transferred in the north region of the country after he grilled both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and police officials for not taking adequate action to control the heinous depredation in the capital city.

Justice S Muralidhar, who was hearing a petition into the religious riots, had sharply condemned the authorities for their ignorant demeanour towards the sporadic clashes, following which, orders for his immediate transfer came late at night the same day, BBC reported.

However, the government maintained that the transfer was done with the judge's consent and a "well-settled process" was followed.

While hearing petitions about the violence, the judge said that the court could not let "another 1984" happen on its "watch". In 1984, more than 3,000 Sikhs were killed in riots against the community in Delhi.



The clashes, that have claimed 42 lives uptil now – first broke out on Sunday between protesters for and against a controversial citizenship law in north-east Delhi.

While condemning the videos that showed leaders BJP leaders inciting Hindu crowds against largely Muslim protesters, Justice Muralidhar questioned police and directed government to ensure that any displaced victims were given temporary shelter as well as medical treatment on immediate basis.

His valiant stance made headlines the next day, with the nation pouring in praises and support for the judge while criticising the lawmakers for their extremist approach.

The transfer of the law lord faced severe disapproval by raising concerns on the credibility of the government from the opposition, who blamed the Modi-led regime for the turmoil in the country.

Opposition leader Sonia Gandhi called for the resignation of Home Minister Amit Shah, saying he was "responsible".

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has also been criticised for not coming out when the violence first broke out.

The original story appeared on BBC News