Uproar after Allahabad High Court refer Divisional Commissioner's conduct for criminal contempt
The Allahabad High Court has referred the conduct of Divisional Commissioner Durga Shakti Nagpal to a criminal contempt bench following allegations that she pressured a Civil Judge in Gonda. The judge reported receiving inappropriate calls from the Commissioner regarding a pending civil suit.
Why it matters
This case highlights concerns regarding judicial independence and the potential for executive interference in the Indian legal system.
Uproar took place on Monday (August 24, 2026) after Devipatan Divisional Commissioner Durga Shakti Nagpal allegedly attempted to influence a Civil Judge (Senior Division), Shabina Khan, in Gonda.
She is handling a civil suit, with social activists demanding a high-level investigation by the State government, and the Allahabad High Court referred the conduct to the court dealing with criminal contempt matters on August 21.
In the matter, the Civil Judge, Gonda, in a letter to the District Judge, said she received repeated calls while on leave on July 15, 2026 from a number linked to the Commissioner’s office.
Later, she said she got a call from Commissioner Durga Shakti Nagpal, who wanted to discuss the pending suit and asked pointed questions about how long she intended to stay on leave. The judge said the calls and the tone used amounted to interference.
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