UK Police Provide Protection to Family of Former Justice Gautam Patel

The Hertfordshire Constabulary has taken measures to ensure the safety of the family of former Bombay High Court Justice Gautam Patel after an assault on a family member. The police confirmed their involvement in a statement, highlighting ongoing investigations into various incidents affecting the family.

The incidents include an attempted burglary in August 2025, a physical assault reported in April 2026, and further threatening communications received in June 2026. As part of the investigation, detectives from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Criminal Investigation Department are currently assessing these linked events. The police have noted that safeguarding measures have been implemented for the family while enquiries are underway.

Justice Gautam Patel has been facing threats and intimidations since his ruling in April 2024 regarding the leadership dispute within the Dawoodi Bohra community. In a decision that followed a lengthy nine-year trial, Justice Patel upheld Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin's position as the 53rd Dai and leader of the community, dismissing a challenge from rival Taher Fakhruddin due to insufficient evidence regarding his own claim to leadership.

This judgment is currently under appeal before a division bench of the Bombay High Court, which is still pending. Concerns for the family intensified when Justice Patel's daughter in the UK reported receiving multiple menacing letters and was later accosted by a masked assailant, resulting in a fractured nose.

Following these events, the Bombay Bar Association issued a resolution on June 8, condemning the threats against Justice Patel and his family, calling it a direct assault on judicial independence. The association has urged the Government of India to engage with authorities in the UK to ensure their safety and well-being during this difficult time.

Though the police have stated that investigations are ongoing, they have refrained from sharing additional details at this point, respecting the sensitivity of the situation and the safety of those involved.