Would rather die than be called a coward, says judge who gave 23 death sentences

The judge’s statement came in a ruling, wherein he sentenced one Nadeem to death in the 2018 Shahpur Shahzadi murder case and imposed a fine of ₹1 lakh on him. The case related to Nadeem allegedly setting ablaze his wife Shehzadi, 23, in Shahpur town on July 23, 2018, over dowry demands.

Diwakar’s judgment also contained observations about alleged threats, pressure on the judiciary and the influence of gangsters and mafia in western Uttar Pradesh.

He said his parents had taught him from childhood to fear God and no one else.

“I would prefer to die rather than be called a cowardly judge. As long as I am able to follow my principles, I will continue to serve. Otherwise, I will resign,” he wrote in the judgment. HT has access to the copy of the verdict.