Durga Shakti Nagpal faces contempt proceedings over alleged judicial interference

The Allahabad High Court's Lucknow bench has reprimanded Durga Shakti Nagpal, the Commissioner of Devipatan Division, following allegations that she attempted to influence a judicial officer regarding a long-standing land dispute in Gonda.

The case involves a nearly 30-year-old dispute between Jyoti Vidya Mandir School and the Municipal Council of Gonda. According to court proceedings, Civil Judge (Senior Division) Shabina Khan reported receiving multiple phone calls from Nagpal while the judge was on leave, which were perceived as attempts to exert pressure on the ongoing litigation.

The High Court characterized these actions as a direct assault on judicial independence and a serious obstruction to the administration of justice. Consequently, the court has directed that the matter be referred to a criminal contempt bench for further proceedings.