Death Sentence Specialist Judge Ravi Kumar Diwakar Transferred
Judge Ravi Kumar Diwakar, known for delivering 35 death sentences, is transferred from Muzaffarnagar Fast Track Court to Family Court.
In a significant judicial reshuffle within Uttar Pradesh, the Allahabad High Court has ordered the transfer of Judge Ravi Kumar Diwakar, a jurist who has gained national notoriety for his stringent sentencing record. Known for his uncompromising stance on capital crimes, Judge Diwakar is moving from the Muzaffarnagar Fast Track Court to a new assignment.
A Record of Capital Punishment
Judge Ravi Kumar Diwakar has become a figure of intense interest due to his history of delivering the highest possible legal penalties. During his tenure in the district, which began on November 29, 2025, he handed down death sentences to 23 convicts across 10 different cases. His career total now stands at an imposing 35 capital punishments, marking him as one of the most severe sentencing judges in the region.
Conflict Over Murder Case Withdrawals
The transfer comes on the heels of a period marked by administrative tension. In August and September 2026, Judge Diwakar entered into a formal dispute with the then-District Judge, Birendra Kumar Singh. The conflict arose when approximately 97 murder cases were withdrawn from Judge Diwakar's court.
Judge Diwakar did not take this move lightly, formally questioning the decision. He argued that the withdrawal of these high-stakes cases lacked both jurisdictional authority and legal justification. More alarmingly, he asserted that such administrative maneuvers could potentially benefit local mafia elements and gangsters, potentially compromising the pursuit of justice.
The New Assignment
As per the official notification issued by the Registrar General of the Allahabad High Court, Manjeet Singh Sheoran, the transfer is effective from October 23, 2026. Judge Diwakar will now assume the role of Additional Principal Judge at the Muzaffarnagar Family Court.
Wider Judicial Reshuffle in Muzaffarnagar
The movement of Judge Diwakar is part of a broader administrative shake-up involving several other judicial officers:
- Judge Shiv Kumari: Has been appointed to Fast Track Court Number Three, stepping into the role previously held by Judge Diwakar.
- Rajneesh Kumar: Formerly the Presiding Officer of the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal in Auraiya, he has been named the Principal Judge of the Muzaffarnagar Family Court.
- Khaliquzzama: The outgoing Principal Judge of the Family Court has been transferred to serve as the Presiding Officer of the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal in Auraiya.
- Judge Manjula Bhalotia: Has also been assigned new responsibilities within the Fast Track Court system.