Threats to former Judge condemned by Syedna’s office; Bombay Bar Association seeks probe

The office of Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin has said that reports of violence, threats and intimidation directed at former Bombay High Court judge Justice Gautam Patel (retd.) and his family have left the community shocked. The statement, issued on Monday (June 8, 2026), condemned these acts and all forms of violence, threats and intimidation, stating that such actions are contrary to the community’s beliefs and values.

Justice Patel and his family have faced threat letters and a physical attack over ten months following a judgment delivered on April 23, 2024, which held Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin as the rightful spiritual head of the Dawoodi Bohra community. The Bombay Bar Association has now called for a thorough investigation and urged the Ministry of External Affairs to take up the matter with authorities in England.

The statement from Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin’s office said the Dawoodi Bohra community, under his leadership, is rooted in peace, tolerance and respect for the rule of law. It noted that the proceedings before the Bombay High Court were conducted with dignity and rigour and in accordance with judicial standards. The rule of law must be respected, and any attempt to intimidate the judiciary is unacceptable, the statement added.

“Authorities in India and the United Kingdom are seized of the matter and are working to ensure safety and trace the perpetrators,” the statement said. Members of the community have been advised to help the authorities. The community will continue to stand for peace, lawful conduct and the sanctity of the judicial process, the statement concluded.

According to reports, Justice Patel’s wife received threat letters in Mumbai. His daughter, Aditi Patel, received similar letters in London. The letters warned of consequences if Justice Patel did not retract his judgment through a YouTube video. Aditi Patel was also reportedly attacked by a masked person on a London street.

The Bombay Bar Association, through its president and senior advocate Nitin Thakker, recorded its condemnation of any attempt to threaten, intimidate, harass, assault or target a Judge or a Judge’s family members on account of judicial functions. The association noted that reports of physical injury to a family member made the matter particularly disturbing and required the attention of authorities.

The Bombay Bar Association stated that violence or threats of violence against Judges or their families strike at judicial independence and constitute an assault on the rule of law. Such conduct is not only an attack on an individual Judge but also on the institution of the judiciary and the constitutional promise that disputes will be resolved by courts without fear, favour, affection or ill-will, the association said.

In a constitutional democracy governed by the rule of law, judicial decisions may be questioned, criticised and challenged only through lawful and constitutional means, including appellate remedies, the association added. Resort to threats, intimidation, coercion or violence against judges or their families has no place in a civilised society and cannot be tolerated.

The Bombay Bar Association expressed its solidarity with Justice Patel and his family and reaffirmed its commitment to judicial independence, the dignity of courts and the rule of law. The association called upon the concerned authorities to conduct a prompt, thorough and effective investigation into the incidents and to ensure that all persons responsible are identified, apprehended and prosecuted. It also called upon the Ministry of External Affairs to take all necessary steps and take up the matter with authorities in England to ensure the safety of Justice Patel’s family.