Bombay High Court Orders Maharashtra to Protect Retired Judge Facing Death Threats

The Bombay High Court on Monday directed the Maharashtra government to provide security to former judge Justice Gautam Patel, who has been receiving threats following his 2024 verdict in the Dawoodi Bohra succession dispute. The court also asked the Union government to report on measures taken to protect the judge's daughter, who was attacked in London.

A Division Bench of Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge and Justice Gautam Ankhad was hearing a public interest litigation filed by three bar associations—the Bombay Bar Association, the Advocates Association of Western India, and the Bombay Incorporated Law Society.

Chief Public Prosecutor Shishir Hiray informed the court that two Personal Security Officers had been deployed at the judge's residence. However, the Acting Chief Justice observed that safety was needed both inside and outside the home. 'Consider the fact that we are all humans. Not every time we will be inside the house. What if his lordship is at home and his family member goes out for some work?' he said.

The court noted that Justice Patel, a retired High Court judge, had performed his duties with care. 'You need to protect him. His family members are provided protection in the United Kingdom after Chief Justice of India Surya Kant intervened. But here in Mumbai, you need to ensure the judge's protection. It is time to show how committed you are,' the Bench said.

The Acting Chief Justice further revealed that CJI Kant, during an official visit to the U.K., met the Indian High Commissioner in London and directed security for the judge's family.

Senior Advocate Nitin Thakkar, representing the bar bodies, urged the court to pass an order for protection and a thorough probe. 'It is not just a threat to Justice Patel but to the entire judiciary. A message must be sent that the judiciary is not going to take such threats lightly,' he said.

The court directed the Maharashtra government to ensure Justice Patel's protection in Mumbai and ordered the Union of India to specify measures taken to protect the judge's daughter, who was attacked in London. Reports indicate that the judge's wife received threat letters in Mumbai, while his daughter Aditi Patel was attacked by a masked person on a London street. The family later received security from the Hertfordshire Constabulary.

In a related development, a statement from Dr. Aziz Bhaisaheb Qutbuddin—brother of Syedna Taher Fakhruddin Saheb—said the Syedna had condemned any threats or violence against Justice Patel. The statement noted that Syedna Taher Fakhruddin had filed an appeal before the Bombay High Court against the judge's verdict in the Dawoodi Bohra succession case. The matter was expedited in December 2024 and is pending final hearing. The statement added that if reports of threats aimed at pressuring the judge to recant his judgment were accurate, such acts were intended to malign the Syedna and derail the appeal.