Minister Vijay Shah’s suo motu cognizance draws attention:Justice Sreedharan to visit Allahabad next week amid controversy over statement and Damoh foot washing incident

Administrative Justice Atul Sreedharan of the Madhya Pradesh High Court has been transferred to the Allahabad High Court. A formal farewell ceremony will be held next week. It is worth noting that Justice Sreedharan had taken suo motu cognizance of the Damoh foot-washing incident and Minister Vijay Shah’s statement. After his transfer, the number of judges in the Madhya Pradesh High Court will remain 43, while the sanctioned posts are 53. Transfer Notification Issued The Ministry of Law has issued the notification for Justice Sreedharan’s transfer. Due to the Diwali holidays, the date for the farewell ceremony has not yet been decided. It is believed that the date will be fixed as soon as the High Court reopens on Monday. Initially, Justice Sreedharan’s transfer was to be done on the recommendation of the Chhattisgarh High Court, but later he was transferred to the Allahabad High Court. Know why Justice Atul Sreedharan came into discussion Justice Atul Sreedharan is known for social justice and administrative accountability. His orders have been notable both from a legal and social perspective. On October 14, Justice Atul Sreedharan took suo motu cognizance of the Damoh foot-washing incident and made several sharp remarks. He also directed action against the culprits under the NSA. During the hearing, the Justice had said – ‘Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra’ all are claiming their independent identity. If this is not controlled, within a century and a half, people calling themselves Hindus will fight among themselves and become non-existent. Justice Sreedharan had also reprimanded Damoh SP Shrutkirti Somvanshi for the weak sections in the case. Suo motu cognizance in the statement case against Colonel Sophia Jabalpur High Court Justice Sridharan had also taken suo motu cognizance in the case of controversial remarks made against Colonel Sophia Qureshi. The High Court had directed to register an FIR against the minister within 4 hours. The High Court, giving strict instructions to the DGP, had said that a case must be registered under all circumstances. ​