Friday, February 4 2005 21:43 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Patna: In a surprise move, Patna High Court judge R S Garg today (Feb 4, 2005) sought his transfer out of Bihar following a protest by Muslims after police picked up an official of a nearby mosque over alleged violation of a directive on use of loud speaker for prayers.

"My image has been publicly maligned by the protests. In the given situation, I will not be able to discharge my work in Patna and therefore, I have requested for my transfer," Garg told reporters over phone.

He said he had written a letter to the Supreme Court Chief Justice seeking his transfer from Patna.

Taking strong exception to the use of loud speakers at a mosque adjacent to the High Court Justice, Garg had summoned District Magistrate and the Superintendent of Police asking them to explain whether the use of loud speaker at the Friday prayer which caused disturbances during the court proceedings was not violative of an earlier court order which restrained the mosque from using loud speaker during court hours.

Soon after the court order, police went to the mosque and took the Muazzin (person who calls for prayers) to Kotwali police station, triggering protest by Muslims. He was produced before the court and later let off.

"I have never directed the arrest of Muazzin, any member of the Masjid Committee or the Imam," Garg said.

"I had simply asked the Superintendent of Police to come to the court at 16:00 hrs (IST) and explain why the loudspeaker was used during the court hour in defiance of an earlier order of the court.

He said he had also not asked the police to produce any member of the Masjid Committee or Muazzin or the Imam before me.

"Now I am shocked to know that people have branded me as an RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) man," the judge said.