**Allahabad HC Judges Request Chief Justice to Reconsider Supreme Court Directive**

Rapid Summary

• The Supreme Court issued an order barring Allahabad High Court judge Prashant Kumar from hearing criminal cases untill retirement.
• Thirteen judges of the Allahabad High Court wrote to Chief Justice Arun Bhansali, opposing the Supreme Court’s directive and requesting a Full Court meeting.
• These judges argue the Supreme Court lacks administrative superintendence over High Courts and expressed their “anguish” at the tone of its remarks.
• On August 4, 2025, a Supreme Court Bench reprimanded Justice Kumar for allowing criminal proceedings in a purely civil dispute case, terming it a “mockery of justice.” It cited possible extraneous considerations or ignorance as reasons for such erroneous decisions.
• Misuse of criminal law in matters fundamentally civil is identified as a growing problem within India’s judiciary by multiple legal experts, including former Chief Justices.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The controversy surrounding judicial supervision highlights critical issues within India’s legal framework: separation of powers between institutions and accountability within judicial decision-making. The intervention by the Supreme Court reflects larger concerns about inconsistent application of laws at crucial levels such as High Courts. Instances like this reveal increasing misuse of criminal provisions in civil cases, which could breed distrust toward judicial fairness if left unchecked.

However, the resistance from Allahabad HC judges underscores constitutional debates on independence among judicial branches and procedural clarity regarding administrative oversight powers. Both sides represent key elements in preserving checks-and-balances to protect justice delivery mechanisms while also ensuring adherence to higher court directives aimed at improving systemic accountability.

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