Allahabad HC Flags Alleged Attempt to Influence Civil Judge in Land Dispute

The Allahabad High Court has expressed serious concern over an alleged attempt by Divisional Commissioner Durga Shakti Nagpal to influence a civil judge handling a long-pending land dispute, saying such conduct strikes at the independence of the judiciary and obstructs the administration of justice.

Justice Syed Qamar Hasan Rizvi, sitting at the Lucknow bench, said the allegations surrounding a phone call made by Nagpal to Civil Judge (Senior Division) Gonda, Shabina Khan, could not be ignored. The court directed that the matter be placed before the appropriate court dealing with criminal contempt, after seeking directions from the Chief Justice or a senior judge.

The controversy arose during a transfer application filed by Jyoti Vidya Mandir School against the Municipal Council of Gonda in a civil suit dating back to 1997. The dispute concerns several parcels of Nazul land recorded in the name of the Commissioner, Devi Patan division. Authorities have alleged that a school building was constructed on land reserved for government purposes.

The suit, which remains pending at the evidence stage, is subject to a continuing status quo order. The school had sought transfer of the case outside the Devi Patan division, alleging that officials were misusing their positions and putting pressure on the court.

The issue gained prominence after Judge Khan reportedly informed the district judge about a telephone conversation with Commissioner Nagpal concerning her leave and a pending matter before her. On August 4, 2026, Khan sought transfer of the case from her court. The district judge subsequently transferred the suit to another court of equivalent jurisdiction in Gonda.

The High Court observed that the tone and language of the alleged conversation gave a direct impression that the judicial officer had been sought to be influenced. It also noted that Nagpal had not denied making the call.

Emphasising judicial independence, the court said subordinate courts must remain free from insult, pressure or intimidation, enabling judges to perform their duties fearlessly. Any attempt by a litigant or lawyer to pressure a court, it said, amounts to an obstruction of the judicial process.