New Delhi

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has intervened in the matter of alleged death threats received by former Bombay High Court judge Justice Gautam Patel and his family, reportedly linked to a high-profile judicial verdict.

Sources said the CJI, who is currently on an official visit to the United Kingdom, discussed the issue with Indian High Commissioner to the UK, P Kumaran, and sought immediate attention to the safety concerns surrounding the retired judge and his relatives.

The High Commissioner assured the Chief Justice that necessary security measures would be put in place to ensure the protection of Justice Patel and his family members.

The meeting came shortly after Justice Patel disclosed that a threatening letter had been sent to the London residence of his daughter, according to sources familiar with the matter.

They said the CJI was assured by the Indian envoy that every effort would be made to safeguard the former judge and his family.

The threats are believed to be connected to a significant judgment delivered by Justice Patel in 2024 concerning the succession and title dispute involving the Syedna, the spiritual head of the Dawoodi Bohra community, which has around one million followers worldwide. The case is currently under appeal.

Justice Patel has reportedly stated that his family has been receiving anonymous threatening communications over the past ten months.

One such letter, received earlier this year, allegedly accused him of passing a "fraudulent" judgment under pressure and demanded that he upload a video on YouTube withdrawing his verdict, warning of serious consequences for the community if he failed to comply.

The former judge described the targeting of his daughter in the UK as a deliberate attempt to exploit jurisdictional limitations and intensify pressure on his family.

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The reported threats have drawn strong condemnation from several bar associations and legal bodies, which have expressed concern over attempts to intimidate members of the judiciary and their families.