Gujarat HC pulls up Sessions Judge for observations contrary to its orders in Ambaji land case
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
The Gujarat High Court has expressed strong displeasure over observations made by a Sessions Court in the Ambaji land dispute case, holding that a Sessions Judge cannot pass remarks contrary to or override directions issued by the High Court.
Justice Nikhil Kariel observed that if a Sessions Judge passes orders beyond the scope of his authority, the judicial officer will have to submit an explanation before the High Court.
HC questions Sessions Judge's authority
The court questioned whether an in-charge Sessions Judge possessed greater powers than the High Court, remarking that a Sessions Court cannot take a view contrary to orders already passed by the High Court.
The High Court also observed that Forest Department officials had allegedly made police personnel and villagers "victims of their ego."
Questions over seven-day trial
Appearing for the victims, advocate Anand Yagnik argued that the Sessions Court completed the trial within just seven days. He further submitted that during the trial, none of the affected villagers or police personnel were allowed inside the courtroom, while it remained crowded with Forest Department officials.
The High Court noted these submissions while directing the judicial officer to file an affidavit explaining the observations made in the case, asking, "Who authorised the Sessions Judge to make such observations?"
Background of the case
The matter relates to the December 13 attack on police and Forest Department personnel during a dispute over forest land at Padiya village in Danta taluka of Banaskantha district, near Ambaji.
According to the case records, a violent mob allegedly attacked officials using stones and arrows, leaving more than 45 personnel injured. The incident triggered unrest in the area.
The injured officials were shifted to Ambaji Civil Hospital, while additional police forces were deployed in the village.
An FIR was subsequently registered by the Range Forest Officer at Ambaji Police Station against a mob of more than 500 people in connection with the attack.
