Police in UK provide security to family of former Bombay High Court Justice Gautam Patel in London

The Hertfordshire Constabulary has provided security to family members of retired Bombay High Court Justice Gautam Patel in the United Kingdom after one of them was physically assaulted.

In a statement to Bar and Bench, the police confirmed that the assault as well as the threats issued against Justice Patel and his family, are under investigation and in the meantime, safeguarding measures have been provided to the family.

“Detectives from Hertfordshire Constabulary's Criminal Investigation Department are currently investigating a series of linked incidents relating to a family currently living in South Hertfordshire. These include an attempted burglary and threatening communication reported in August 2025, an assault reported in April 2026 and further threatening communication reported in June 26. As part of the investigation, safeguarding measures have been provided to the family," the police statement said.

As inquiries remain ongoing, the police have declined to share further details at this stage.

The incidents relate to the sustained threats and violence faced by Justice Patel and his family following his April 2024 verdict in the Dawoodi Bohra community leadership dispute. 

In that judgment delivered after a nine‑year trial, Justice Patel upheld the claim of Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin as the 53rd Dai and incumbent leader of the Dawoodi Bohra community. 

He dismissed the suit filed by challenger Taher Fakhruddin for want of proof of his own appointment as Syedna. 

The judgment has since been challenged before a division bench of the Bombay High Court and is pending appeal.

However, Justice Patel’s daughter in the UK received multiple threatening letters, including one warning of a “contract” against the family and enclosing a digital storage device now with Hertfordshire Police. She was also allegedly accosted and assaulted by a masked individual and suffered a fractured nose.

The developments sparked concern within the legal fraternity in Mumbai. 

On June 8, the Bombay Bar Association passed a resolution condemning the threats and attacks on Justice Patel and his family, terming such conduct an assault on judicial independence and the rule of law. 

The association has called for a prompt, thorough probe and urged the Ministry of External Affairs to engage with UK authorities to ensure the safety of Justice Patel’s family.