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Consequently, the Court ordered that the present proceedings be adjourned to August 7, 2026 at 3:00 p.m., pending receipt of any additional material from the investigating agencies. The Bench emphasized that the confidentiality directive was not a comment on the merits of the underlying threats but a precautionary measure to protect the integrity of the probe and the safety of those involved.

The matter originated from a public interest litigation filed by the Bombay Bar Association, the Association of Advocates of Western India, and the Bombay Incorporated Law Society. The petitioners highlighted that Justice Patel’s wife had received threatening letters in Mumbai while his daughter, Aditi Patel, had been sent similar communications in London. Furthermore, the daughter was allegedly assaulted by a masked individual on a London street, after which the Hertfordshire Constabulary provided protective security to the family.

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The Court noted that the Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant, had during an official visit to the United Kingdom met the Indian High Commissioner, P. Kumaran, and requested him to ensure the safety of Justice Patel’s family while they remained abroad.

By directing that the probe reports be kept confidential and by sealing the documents, the Bench sought to balance the need for transparency in judicial proceedings with the imperative to safeguard the investigation and the individuals at risk. The order remains operative until the next date of hearing, when the Court will reassess the status of the investigation and any further steps required for the protection of Justice Patel and his family.

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