HC Judge Who Ruled On Northeast Delhi Violence Transferred

New Delhi: Justice S. Muralidhar of Delhi High Court was transferred to the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Wednesday evening.

The Government of India's gazette notification made its way to news networks and social media in the late hours of Wednesday night. It was reported earlier that the Supreme Court Collegium had cleared his transfer. However, the sudden shift did come as a surprise to many considering he had earlier in the day heard the petitions related to violent incidents in Northeast Delhi.

Justice Muralidhar ordered the Delhi police to file an FIR against BJP leader Kapil Mishra and others and appointed senior advocate of the Delhi High Court, Zubeda Begum as amicus curae in the case to ensure compliance of the High Court's orders. Justice Muralidhar had scheduled the next hearing in the case for Friday. He also directed the Delhi government to provide temporary shelters to rehabilitate the riot-affected or those who are afraid to return to their homes. These rehabilitation shelters should have all basic amenities including sanitation and blankets, among other things.

Justice Muralidhar ordered the police to provide security to ambulances and ensure their free passage. He also directed the Delhi police to provide ample security for the last rites of riot victims.

The Delhi High Court judge ruled that highest functionaries of the Central and Delhi state governments should go into the streets and undertake confidence-building measures. The common man should also feel like a VVIP and should be given Z class security, he observed.