On Wednesday, Justice S Muralidhar, who heard the pleas on Delhi violence & slammed Delhi Police over continuous violence over three days, has been transferred to the High Court of Punjab & Haryana. President Ram Nath Kovind has ordered the transfer following the recommendation by Apex Court.
A notification issued by the Ministry of Law & Justice announced that the President has taken the decision after consulting the Chief Justice of India.
Delhi High Court Judge S Muralidhar has now been transferred to the High Court of Punjab & Haryana. The Top Court had recommended the transfer last week, following which the High Court of Delhi launched a protest against the move.
The SC Collegium had recommended the transfer of three Judges on Feb 12. The notifications for these transfers were issued late on Wednesday night.
On Wednesday, Justice Muralidhar was hearing the Delhi violence case. The late evening notification of his transfer came on the same day when a bench headed by him expressed "anguish" over the Delhi Police's failure to register FIRs against alleged hate speeches by 3 BJP leaders, including Kapil Mishra.
However, the law ministry notification doesn't mention when he has to take charge of his office.
As the toll in Delhi violence crossed 20, Justice Muralidhar said Delhi can't afford to witness another 1984-like situation, referring to the anti-Sikh riots in which thousands were killed in Delhi.
The HC asked the Special Commissioner of Police, who was present in court, to forthwith convey its "anguish" to the commissioner & observed that the city had seen enough violence & it should not witness another 1984 anti-Sikh riots-like incident.
The bench of Justice S Muralidhar & Justice Talwant Singh said when the Police can register eleven FIRs in connection with incidents of violence, including arson, looting, stone pelting, why did it not show alacrity when it came to the alleged hate speeches by the three BJP leaders -- Anurag Thakur, Parvesh Verma & Kapil Mishra.
The Bench said that "Why are you not showing alacrity when it comes to registration of FIR in these cases? We want peace to prevail. We do not want the city to witness another 1984 riots. This city has seen enough violence & anguish. Let it not repeat 1984".
Before dictating the order, the bench remarked, "The city is burning". To this, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said, "The city is not burning. It's only a few areas."
On Tuesday midnight, Justice Muralidhar also held a late-night hearing at his residence & asked Delhi Police to ensure the safety of all those who have been injured in Delhi violence & need help.
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