Bombay: Justice Gautam Patel threat probe has taken a significant turn after the Bombay high court directed the Maharashtra government to keep investigation reports confidential. The court said making the reports public could affect the ongoing investigation and even help those responsible for the threats. The order came during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) related to threats and attacks on former Bombay High Court judge Justice Gautam Patel and his family.
Justice Gautam Patel Threat Case: Court Directives
A Bench led by Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge and Justice Gautam Ankhad instructed the Maharashtra Government to ensure that reports prepared by the Mumbai Police and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) are not made public.
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The judges said revealing investigation details at this stage could harm the probe and expose the direction of the investigation to those behind the threats.
Court Cited the 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attacks
During the hearing, the Bench referred to the live television coverage of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. The court observed that continuous media coverage during the attacks had provided valuable information to the terrorists. Drawing a comparison, the judges said they did not want investigation details in the present case to become public and benefit those responsible for threatening Justice Patel.
Reports Kept in Sealed Envelopes
The court accepted the reports submitted by:
- Mumbai Police through the Maharashtra Government.
- Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) through the Union Government.
To maintain secrecy, both reports have been placed in separate sealed envelopes. The Bench also noted that both Mumbai Police and the Union Government are making progress in the investigation. The next hearing has been scheduled for August 7, 2026, at 3:00 PM.
What are the Reasons of Justice Gautam Patel Threat Case
According to information presented before the court, Justice Gautam Patel and his family have allegedly been facing threats for nearly 11 months.
The threats are reportedly linked to an April 2024 judgment in which Justice Patel ruled that Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin is the rightful successor and the 53rd Dai al-Mutlaq, the spiritual head of the Dawoodi Bohra community.
Threats Extended to Family Members
The court was informed that:
- Justice Patel’s wife received threatening letters in Mumbai.
- His daughter, Aditi Patel, received similar threat letters in London.
- The letters allegedly demanded that Justice Patel publicly withdraw or “recant” his judgment through a YouTube video.
- Aditi Patel was also reportedly attacked by a masked man in London.
Following these incidents, local authorities in the United Kingdom provided security to the family.
Justice Gautam Patel Threat Case: MEA Assures Security Measures
The Additional Solicitor General informed the court that the Ministry of External Affairs has coordinated with Indian authorities and officials in the United Kingdom to ensure the safety of Justice Patel and his family.
The court accepted this submission while stressing that security arrangements and investigation details must remain confidential.
PIL Seeks Thorough Investigation
The matter is being heard on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by:
- Bombay Bar Association (BBA)
- Association of Advocates of Western India (AAWI)
- Bombay Incorporated Law Society (BILS)
The petition seeks a proper investigation into the threats and attacks targeting Justice Gautam Patel and his family.
