Prayagraj: New Chief Judicial Magistrate Appointed in Sambhal After 48-Hour Transfer, Marking Second Change in Days
In a swift administrative move, the Allahabad High Court has appointed a new Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) for the Sambhal district court, just 48 hours after the previous appointment. This marks the second change in the CJM position within a short span, highlighting ongoing judicial reshuffles in the region.
Notification Details and Immediate Transfers
According to a notification dated January 22, 2026, issued by Rajnesh Kumar, the registrar (judicial services) following a court order, Deepak Kumar Jaiswal, the CJM of Kaushambi, has been appointed as the new CJM of Sambhal. He replaces Adiya Singh, who was appointed to the position on January 20, 2026. In the same notification, Singh has been transferred back to his previous role as civil judge (senior division) in Chandausi, Sambhal district.
This rapid turnover is notable, as Singh had been promoted to the CJM role just two days prior. His appointment had come in place of Vibhanshu Sudhir, who was serving as CJM Sambhal until recently.
Background of the Previous CJM and Key Orders
Vibhanshu Sudhir, the former CJM of Sambhal, had issued a significant order on January 9, 2026, directing the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against additional superintendent of police (ASP) Anuj Chaudhary and 19 other police personnel. This order stemmed from a complaint alleging that the accused officers had shot at a local youth during the Sambhal violence in November 2024, leaving the youth, named Alam, grievously injured.
In his 11-page order, CJM Sudhir allowed an application moved under Section 173(4) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) by Yameen, the father of the injured youth. He also observed that the police cannot invoke the "official duty" shield to justify criminal acts, emphasizing accountability in law enforcement.
Judicial History and Broader Transfers
Prior to his appointment as CJM Sambhal, Adiya Singh served as the civil judge (senior division) in Chandausi town. Incidentally, Singh was the judge who passed an order in November 2024 directing a survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Chandausi town, adding to his judicial profile in the district.
Following his replacement, Vibhanshu Sudhir has been posted as a civil judge (senior division) in Sultanpur, continuing his judicial career in a different location.
The recent notification is part of a larger administrative reshuffle, with as many as 254 judicial officers being transferred across the region. This highlights the dynamic nature of judicial postings in Uttar Pradesh, aimed at optimizing court functioning and addressing administrative needs.
Implications and Context
The quick succession of CJM appointments in Sambhal raises questions about the stability and continuity of judicial leadership in the district. Such transfers can impact ongoing cases, including sensitive matters like the Sambhal violence incident, where legal proceedings are underway against police officials.
The allegations against the police officials pertain to opening fire with the intent to kill, a serious charge that underscores the importance of impartial judicial oversight. The high court's administrative decisions reflect efforts to ensure effective governance within the judiciary, balancing personnel management with legal exigencies.
As the new CJM, Deepak Kumar Jaiswal steps into a role with significant responsibilities, including overseeing cases like the one initiated by his predecessor. The judicial community and local residents will be watching closely to see how these changes influence the legal landscape in Sambhal.
