Row over U.P. IAS officer’s ‘bid’ to influence civil judge deepens as HC takes serious exception
The judge alleged that the IAS officer attempted to discuss a pending case over repeated phone calls
Allegations persist that senior IAS officer Durga Shakti Nagpal sought to influence a civil judge, deepening a growing controversy. Civil society members are demanding a high-level probe by the Uttar Pradesh government following the Allahabad High Court’s intervention. The Gonda civil judge alleged receiving multiple phone calls from a Devipatan Division Commissioner’s office number while on leave on July 15, causing the judge to question Nagpal’s intentions.
The High Court deemed the pressure exerted by Nagpal “prima facie” to interfere with the independence of the judiciary and hinder the administration of justice. Nagpal maintained she only inquired about the judge’s return date to the case. The court directed placing the matter before a criminal contempt bench, noting the tone suggested pressure was applied.
Activist Amitabh Thakur has called for Nagpal’s transfer and an independent inquiry, demanding clear protocols for officials contacting judicial officers about pending cases.
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