The Bombay Bar Association (BBA) has passed a resolution expressing grave concern over reports of threats, intimidation, harassment and acts of violence allegedly directed against former Bombay High Court judge Justice Gautam Patel and members of his family.

The reported threats arise in the backdrop of the landmark Dawoodi Bohra succession litigation, in which Justice Gautam Patel, then a judge of the Bombay High Court, upheld Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin’s position as the rightful Dai al-Mutlaq and dismissed the challenge mounted by the rival faction. The judgment brought to a close one of the most significant religious succession disputes in recent Indian legal history after years of trial and extensive evidence.

In a resolution dated June 8, 2026, the Association strongly condemned any attempt to threaten, intimidate, harass, assault or otherwise target a judge or members of a judge’s family on account of the discharge of judicial functions. The BBA noted reports that a member of Justice Patel’s family had allegedly suffered physical injury during one such incident, describing the matter as particularly disturbing and warranting the most serious attention of the authorities.

Emphasising the broader implications of such incidents, the Association observed that violence or threats against judges and their families strike at the very heart of judicial independence and constitute a direct assault on the rule of law. It stated that such conduct is not merely an attack on an individual judge but on the institution of the judiciary and the constitutional promise that disputes will be resolved by courts free from fear, favour, affection or ill-will.

The resolution further stressed that while judicial decisions may be questioned, criticised or challenged through lawful and constitutional means, including appellate remedies, resorting to threats, intimidation, coercion or violence against judges or their family members has no place in a civilised society and cannot be tolerated.

Expressing solidarity with Justice Patel and his family, the BBA reaffirmed its commitment to the independence of the judiciary, 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 ensure that all persons responsible are identified, apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with law.

The Association also expressed hope that the perpetrators would be brought to book at the earliest and necessary measures would be taken to safeguard judges and their families from acts of intimidation and violence. In addition, it urged the Ministry of External Affairs to take all necessary steps and engage with authorities in England to ensure the safety and security of Justice Patel’s family.

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