Allahabad HC Judge Seeks Removal from Bail Roster After SC Rebuke: 'Demoralising, Chilling Effect'

• Justice Pankaj Bhatia of Allahabad High Court requested removal from bail roster after Supreme Court set aside his bail order in a dowry death case.
• The Supreme Court called Justice Bhatia's bail order "shocking and disappointing," questioning the reasoning for granting bail in a serious crime.
• Justice Bhatia stated the Supreme Court's observations had a "huge demoralising and chilling effect" on him, despite acknowledging judicial decisions can be overturned.
• The dowry death case involved a 22-year-old woman, Sushma, whose father alleged she was killed over dowry demands; post-mortem indicated asphyxia due to strangulation.
• The High Court granted bail based on the defense's submission about an intact hyoid bone and the accused's lack of criminal history, which the SC found insufficient.