Hit-&-run case against Punjab judicial officer shifted to Delhi
The Supreme Court of India has ordered the transfer of a hit-and-run case involving a probationary judicial officer from Punjab to Delhi, responding to concerns of potential bias raised by the victim's family. The order, issued on Thursday, shifts the trial from a court in Punjab to the Rohini trial court in Delhi.
Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi presided over the hearing, during which the deceased's family voiced apprehension that a fair trial would be unattainable in Punjab, given the accused's position within the judicial service. The family's plea for relocation of the case was rooted in these concerns. The bench acknowledged these concerns, thus ordering the transfer.
During the hearing, the judicial officer's counsel expressed no opposition to moving the trial out of Punjab. However, they suggested Noida, Uttar Pradesh, as an alternative venue, citing the victim's sister-in-law's legal practice in Delhi. This suggestion was turned down. The court designated the Court of the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Rohini, as the appropriate venue, emphasizing Delhi's neutrality in ensuring an impartial trial. Justice Kant questioned whether such considerations would matter to a judicial officer.
The court also addressed a related case filed by the deceased's wife, who sought to transfer the investigation from the Punjab Police to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The bench directed that if further investigation is deemed necessary, it would be carried out by the Delhi Police. Additionally, the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) proceedings, initially pending in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, will also be moved to a competent court in Delhi. This consolidation aims to ensure a comprehensive adjudication of all related matters.
The case stems from a hit-and-run accident in February 2025, where the victim died. The accused, a probationary judicial officer then serving in Hoshiarpur district, Punjab, was allegedly involved. The case was pending before the Judicial Magistrate in Phagwara at the stage of framing charges before the transfer request was made. The Supreme Court has clarified that any further investigation pleas should be directed to the Delhi court, which will decide in accordance with the law.
