Allahabad HC Judge Withdraws from Bail Duties After Supreme Court Rebuke
In a significant development, Justice Pankaj Bhatia of the Allahabad High Court's Lucknow bench has expressed his unwillingness to continue as part of the bail roster. This decision came on Friday, following severe criticism from the Supreme Court regarding his handling of a bail application in a dowry death case.
Demoralizing Effect of Supreme Court Observations
Justice Bhatia acknowledged that while it is common for judicial orders to be set aside or interfered with, the Supreme Court's remarks had a profound impact on him. He stated, "The SC's observations had a huge demoralizing and chilling effect on me," highlighting the emotional toll of the apex court's scrutiny.
Background of the Controversial Bail Order
The issue stems from a bail plea filed by Rakesh Tiwari. During the hearing, Justice Bhatia took notice of the Supreme Court's comments made in the case of Chetram Verma on February 9. In that instance, Justice Bhatia had granted bail on October 10 last year to a man accused of killing his wife over dowry.
The complainant, Verma, challenged this bail order before the Supreme Court, which not only set aside Justice Bhatia's ruling but also delivered harsh criticism. The apex court described the order as "one of the most shocking and disappointing orders that we have come across."
Supreme Court's Scrutiny and Actions
The Supreme Court noted that the High Court had primarily considered the accused's jail time since July 27, 2025, and lack of criminal history in granting bail. It questioned, "What weighed with the high court in exercising its discretion in favour of the accused for the purpose of grant of bail in a very serious crime like dowry death?"
After quashing the High Court ruling, the Supreme Court sent a copy of its order to the Allahabad High Court Chief Justice for review of the bail application process.
Justice Bhatia's Response and Future Implications
Upset by the Supreme Court's remarks, Justice Bhatia refused to hear the bail application in the Tiwari case. He formally requested the High Court's Chief Justice not to allocate any bail matters to him for hearing, effectively stepping down from the bail roster.
This incident underscores the tensions within the judiciary and raises questions about bail procedures in serious criminal cases, potentially influencing future judicial conduct and case allocations in the Allahabad High Court.
