Black day in history, interference in judicial independence

Sent file to Chief Justice for assignment of 80 bail applications to another bench, recued himself from hearing

Prayagraj: The Allahabad High Court recused itself from hearing a bail application before passing an order and referred around 80 applications to the Chief Justice for designation of another bench.

The parties attempted to contact the judge, which the court took seriously, stating that this was a dark day in history. The court stated that justice must not only be done, but must also be seen to be done.

Justice Krishna Pahal was hearing Bhola Prasad’s bail application. The court had completed hearing all the cases and the order was to be delivered later. After the hearing, the parties allegedly attempted to directly approach and contact the presiding judge. The court took this matter very seriously, stating that this was a direct attack on judicial independence and, if ignored, would undermine public confidence in the judiciary. In his order, Justice Krishna Pahal called this incident a “black day” in the history of the court. He added that it is not enough to do justice, but it is also important to be seen to do justice. If the verdict had been in favor of the party whose case appeared stronger during the hearing, it could have created the false impression that the decision was given under external pressure.

Given these circumstances, the court decided to recuse itself from the case and referred all the approximately 80 related bail matters to the Chief Justice for assignment to an appropriate bench. All cases will now be heard on August 7, 2026. The court warned lawyers and litigants that judicial independence is not a privilege but a constitutional right guaranteed to every citizen, and any attempt to undermine it should be strongly condemned.