Uproar after Allahabad High Court refer Divisional Commissioner's conduct for criminal contempt

Uproar erupted on August 24, 2026, following allegations that Devipatan Divisional Commissioner Durga Shakti Nagpal attempted to sway Civil Judge Shabina Khan in Gonda. The social activists demanded a high-level investigation by the State government and the Allahabad High Court referred the case to the criminal contempt jurisdiction on August 21.

The judge in question recounted receiving repeated calls from a number linked to the Commissioner’s office while on leave on July 15, 2026. Subsequently, she claimed to have received a call from Commissioner Nagpal, who questioned her on the duration of her leave. The judge deemed this conduct interference. The Allahabad High Court Justice Qamar Hasan Rizvi ruled that the alleged pressure could not be dismissed and transferred the matter to the contempt bench following directions from the Chief Justice or Senior Judge.

Despite the suit being transferred to another court on August 9, 2026, the Court acknowledged the tone of the conversation indicated pressure and that courts should not overlook insulting language directed at a Presiding Officer. Activists, including Lucknow-based Amitabh Thakur, called for an independent inquiry and a transfer of Nagpal from the Devipatan Division.

Thakur also requested an independent high-level administrative inquiry into the conversation and suggested issuing clear protocols for executive officials contacting judicial officers. The Divisional Commissioner provided a different account, stating she called to inquire about the judge’s leave status due to a 30-year-old land-related case needing expediting. The judge reportedly responded angrily and later declared she would not hear the matter further.