Chandigarh: The judge who sentenced five people to death for honour killings last month has sought a transfer out of the district and sessions court in Karnal, saying she fears for her life.
Additional district and sessions judge Vani Gopal Sharma told Times of India on Friday she has informed the sessions judge of her fears. But she refused to elaborate any further.
A senior judicial officer told Times of India Vani Gopal Sharma has sought a transfer to Panchkula.
Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court Mukul Mudgil has been apprised of her decision. Her move comes after Tuesday's mammoth khap mahapanchayat in Kurukshetra questioned the Constitution and dared the government to stop honour killings.
The congregation had also passed a resolution severely criticizing the death sentence she handed down on March 30 to the murderers and khap leaders who ordered the killing of Manoj and Babli, accusing them of transgressing gotra norms and marrying.
The convicts had dragged out Manoj and Babli from a crowded bus and murdered them three years ago for daring to marry against the wishes of their community.
The judge while passing the verdict had made strong observations. She had said, "The khaps have become a law unto themselves. They have ridiculed the (Indian) Constitution. These unlawful acts of khaps should be stopped."
Highly placed sources said the judge sent her application through Karnal sessions judge to Justice Mehtab Singh Gill, who is the administrative judge of the sessions court, Karnal. A decision on her transfer will be taken after the high court reconvenes on April 19, says the Times report.
