Sessions Court Dismisses Plea to Transfer Akhlaq Lynching Trial, Upholds Judicial Principles
In a significant legal development, a sessions court in Gautam Buddha Nagar has firmly rejected an application filed by the six accused in the high-profile Mohammad Akhlaq lynching case of 2015. The accused had sought to transfer their ongoing trial to another court, but the court dismissed the plea on Thursday, January 23, 2026, relying on established judicial precedents set by the Supreme Court of India.
Court Cites Supreme Court Guidelines on Trial Transfers
Dismissing the plea, the trial court emphasized that judicial proceedings cannot be transferred "for the convenience of parties" or "merely on the basis of apprehensions or suspicions" of not receiving a fair trial. This decision underscores the judiciary's commitment to maintaining the integrity and continuity of legal processes, as outlined by higher court rulings.
The accused had moved their application before a designated fast-track court, which is currently conducting the trial. In their plea, they raised several concerns, including:
- Allegations that they were not being given an adequate opportunity to be heard.
- Claims that their defence arguments were not being properly considered.
- Assertions that there was no possibility for them to obtain justice in the current court.
Background and Legal Context of the Case
The application referenced a previous order from December 2025, in which the same trial court had rejected the Uttar Pradesh government's plea to withdraw the case against the accused. The accused argued that this order was prejudicial and had caused them harm, leading them to believe that the trial court was intent on "forcibly" proceeding against them.
However, Sessions Judge Atul Srivastava, while delivering the ruling, provided clear reasoning for the rejection. He stated, "On law, there is no basis for transferring the trial proceedings on the basis of any party being harmed or benefited by a judicial order. Judicial orders are passed on the basis of merits of the case." The court further highlighted that any apprehension of unfair trial must be supported by concrete facts, which it found lacking in this instance.
Details of the 2015 Lynching Incident
The case stems from the tragic lynching of Mohammad Akhlaq, a 55-year-old resident, in Bisada village of Dadri on September 28, 2015. The incident occurred following rumours that his family had stored beef at home, sparking widespread outrage and legal scrutiny. In December 2025, the fast-track court described the lynching as a "serious crime against society" and noted that no grounds existed for withdrawing the prosecution, reinforcing the gravity of the charges.
This ruling not only addresses the specific plea of the accused but also reinforces broader legal principles regarding trial transfers in the Indian judicial system. It serves as a reminder that courts must balance individual concerns with the overarching need for judicial efficiency and fairness, as dictated by Supreme Court guidelines.
