Congress slams BJP-led Centre over Justice S Muralidhar's transfer, BJP calls routine one

At a press conference in the morning, Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said, "BJP's pressure against judiciary and politics of revenge stand exposed. Yesterday, judges S Muralidhar and Talwant Singh of Delhi HC bench, took note of BJP leaders role in riots, filed an FIR against them and ordered Delhi Police to act in accordance with Constitution."

"When the judges showed provocative videos of BJP's Union Minister, MP, MLA and Kapil Mishra, Tushar Mehta ji, a lawyer of the Central Government and a favourite of Modi ji, argued that, 'it is not the right time to file cases against the named offenders'," added the Congress leader.

WATCH THE FULL PRESS CONFERENCE OF SURJEWALA

"The BJP government and its leaders are drunk on their electoral victory of 2019. They should remember that the citizens of the country have chosen them to serve the country and run the government, not to intimidate, threaten and enslave the people," Surjewala said.

The notification of Justice Muralidhar's transfer, which was recommended by the Supreme Court collegium on Feb 12, was issued at 11 pm on Wednesday.

Slamming the central and Delhi governments, Justice Muralidhar on Wednesday said the court cannot let another 1984 riot, which took place after the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, to happen.

The High Court judge also asked the central and Delhi government to work together to combat the violence which went on for 48 hours between Monday morning and Tuesday late night in northeast Delhi. 

The court also criticised the provocative statements by several ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders over the last few months including the latest one by former MLA Kapil Mishra who had threatened to take action if blocked roads due to the anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) protests were not cleared by police within three days. 

BJP refutes Congress charge, calls 'routine transfer'

Union Law Minister and senior BJP leader Ravishankar Prasad tweeted, "Transfer of Hon’ble Justice Muralidhar was done pursuant to the recommendation dated 12.02.2020 of the Supreme Court collegium headed by Chief Justice of India. While transferring the judge consent of the judge is taken. The well settled process have been followed."

"By politicising a routine transfer, Congress has yet again displayed its scant regard for the judiciary. People of India have rejected Congress Party and hence it is hell bent on destroying the very institutions India cherishes by constantly attacking them"