In a swift administrative move, the position of Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) in Sambhal has undergone its second change within a mere three days, creating ripples in the local judicial circles of Uttar Pradesh. The latest development involves Aditya Singh, who was slated to replace Vibhanshu Sudheer as CJM, being redirected to assume charge as the civil judge (senior division) instead.
Background of the Judicial Reshuffle
The fresh transfer order was officially issued on Thursday, marking a significant shift in the district's judicial leadership. This action comes on the heels of a broader reshuffling initiative ordered by the Allahabad High Court on Tuesday, which impacted a total of 14 judicial officers across the region. The initial transfer saw Vibhanshu Sudheer moved from his role as CJM in Sambhal to the position of civil judge (senior division) in Sultanpur, a decision that sparked immediate backlash from the legal community.
Protests and Controversies Surrounding the Transfers
The transfer of Sudheer did not go unnoticed, as lawyers at the district court staged protests to voice their dissent. Their discontent extended to the proposed replacement with Aditya Singh, indicating deep-seated concerns within the legal fraternity. Adding to the complexity, Aditya Singh had previously held the CJM position when he ordered a survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid in November 2024. This survey is widely viewed as a precursor to the violent incidents that erupted later that same month, further complicating the judicial landscape.
Key Legal Order by Former CJM Vibhanshu Sudheer
Prior to his transfer, Vibhanshu Sudheer made a notable judicial intervention on January 9. He directed the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against several police officers, including former Sambhal circle officer Anuj Chaudhary, who is currently posted as ASP (rural) in Firozabad. The court also named former Kotwali in-charge Anuj Kumar Tomar and ten unidentified police personnel in connection with the violence that occurred during the mosque survey.
This order was passed in response to a plea filed by Mohammad Yameen, whose son Alam suffered bullet injuries allegedly inflicted by police during the unrest. Yameen recounted to the court that his son had ventured out to sell food when police allegedly opened fire near the mosque during the court-ordered survey, resulting in grievous injuries. Due to fears of reprisal, the family opted not to approach the police and instead arranged for private medical treatment for Alam.
Legal Framework and Police Response
Sudheer allowed the application to be filed under BNSS Section 173(4) and explicitly directed the police to register the FIR after hearing the matter. However, this directive was met with strong opposition from the police authorities. SP Kumar Bishnoi publicly termed the order as "illegal" and announced plans to challenge it in a higher court, highlighting the ongoing tension between the judiciary and law enforcement agencies in the region.
As Aditya Singh had not yet assumed charge as CJM following the initial reshuffle, his reassignment adds another layer to this unfolding judicial saga. The repeated changes in the CJM position underscore the volatile nature of judicial appointments in Sambhal, reflecting broader issues of governance and legal accountability in Uttar Pradesh's sugar belt region.
