Opposition slams transfer of magistrate who ordered FIR against cops in Sambhal violence case

Political parties in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday (January 21, 2026) questioned the transfer of Sambhal Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Vibhanshu Sudheer, who had directed that a First Information Report (FIR) be lodged against police officers in connection with the communal violence in Sambhal in November 2024.

Congress described the transfer as politically motivated. Taking a more cautious approach, Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav warned that only an independent judiciary could be the guardian of the Constitution.

Some lawyers at Sambhal also protested Mr Sudheer’s transfer, claiming that the move undermined the independence of the judiciary. Their protest was held near Chandausi police station and district collectorate; here lawyers raised slogans against the State government and called the transfer a “murder of justice”. They claimed a “good judge” was “demoted” for issuing orders against police officers.

On January 9, the CJM had directed to lodge an FIR against former Circle Constable Anuj Chaudhary, Kotwali in-charge Anuj Tomar and 15 to 20 other unidentified police personnel based on allegations that the police had opened fire with the intention of killing a youth.

‘Politically motivated’

Congress national secretary Shahnawaz Alam said, “The transfer of the Chief Justice, who had ordered the registration of an FIR against the then commander-in-chief Anuj Chaudhary in the Sambhal police firing case, is politically motivated rather than a routine process. There are serious question marks due to the timing of the transfer. It sends a broader message that people can understand. This is becoming a pattern where the government is putting pressure on the fundamental pillars of democracy.”

SP President Mr. Yadav made a cryptic post about X. Sharing a video clip of the transfer, he said, “The truth does not move, its place does not change. Violation of judicial independence is a direct violation of democracy. Only an independent judiciary can ensure the protection of the Constitution.”

The Allahabad High Court on January 20 issued an administrative order dismissing 14 judicial officers, including Mr. Sudheer, who was transferred to Sultanpur as Civil Judge (Senior Division).