Delhi High Court judge who slammed cops over Delhi violence transferred

The violence has claimed 32 lives while over 200 have been injured.

The notification of Justice Muralidhar's transfer, which was recommended by the Supreme Court collegium on Feb 12, was issued at 11 pm on Wednesday.

Slamming the central and Delhi governments, Justice Muralidhar on Wednesday said the court cannot let another 1984 riot, which took place after the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, to happen.

The High Court judge also asked the central and Delhi government to work together to combat the violence which went on for 48 hours between Monday morning and Tuesday late night in northeast Delhi.

The court also criticised the provocative statements by several ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders over the last few months including the latest one by former MLA Kapil Mishra who had threatened to take action if blocked roads due to the anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) protests were not cleared by police within three days.

WATCH: CONGRESS PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE ISSUE

The situation improved on Wednesday morning but remained tensed.

After Tuesday night, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Wednesday went to the riot-hit areas to instill confidence in local people.

While Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had urged the Centre to deploy Army, Sonia Gandhi, the interim president of country's primary opposition party Congress, on Wednesday slammed the union government accusing it of conspiracy.

Gandhi also demanded the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah who is the head of the Delhi administration.

Congress slams BJP government over Justice S Muralidhar's transfer

Congress on Thursday was quick to accuse the ruling dispensation of pressurising the judiciary in the case. 

At a press conference in the morning, Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said, "BJP's pressure against judiciary and politics of revenge stand exposed.

Yesterday, judges S Muralidhar and Talwant Singh of Delhi HC bench, took note of BJP leaders role in riots, filed an FIR against them and ordered Delhi Police to act in accordance with Constitution."

"When the judges showed provocative videos of BJP's Union Minister, MP, MLA and Kapil Mishra, Tushar Mehta ji, a lawyer of the Central Government and a favourite of Modi ji, argued that, 'it is not the right time to file cases against the named offenders'," added the Congress leader.

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra tweeted, "The midnight transfer of Justice Muralidhar isn’t shocking given the current dispensation, but it is certianly sad & shameful. Millions of Indians have faith in a resilient & upright judiciary, the government’s attempts to muzzle justice & break their faith are deplorable."

BJP refutes Congress charge, calls 'routine transfer'

Union Law Minister and senior BJP leader Ravishankar Prasad tweeted, "Transfer of Hon’ble Justice Muralidhar was done pursuant to the recommendation dated 12.02.2020 of the Supreme Court collegium headed by Chief Justice of India. While transferring the judge consent of the judge is taken. The well settled process have been followed."

"By politicising a routine transfer, Congress has yet again displayed its scant regard for the judiciary. People of India have rejected Congress Party and hence it is hell bent on destroying the very institutions India cherishes by constantly attacking them"