Reasonable apprehension of injustice can justify transfer of criminal cases to secure fair trial and public confidence.

A transfer of pending criminal cases may be ordered where a party shows circumstances giving rise to a reasonable apprehension of not receiving justice, even without proving actual judicial bias. The Court accepted uncontroverted material showing political rivalry, alleged official hostility, and the possibility of local influence, and held that the proper test was whether the petitioner could reasonably fear injustice. Applying the principle that justice must be seen to be done as well as done, the Court found the apprehension justified and concluded that the interests of justice required transfer outside Punjab for trial according to law.

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Issues: Whether the criminal cases pending against the petitioner should be transferred outside the State of Punjab on the ground of a reasonable apprehension that he would not get justice there.

Analysis: The petitioner supported his request with uncontroverted affidavit material showing political rivalry, alleged official hostility, and circumstances suggesting that strong parties opposed to him might influence the local administration. The Court held that it was not necessary to establish actual judicial bias; the real question was whether the petitioner could reasonably entertain an apprehension that he would not get justice. Applying the principle that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done, the Court found sufficient circumstances to support that apprehension and concluded that the interests of justice required transfer.

Conclusion: The transfer was justified and the cases were ordered to be transferred outside the State of Punjab.

Final Conclusion: The petition succeeded because the circumstances disclosed a reasonable apprehension of injustice, warranting transfer of the pending criminal cases to another district for trial according to law.

Ratio Decidendi: Where a party shows circumstances giving rise to a reasonable apprehension of not receiving justice, transfer may be ordered to secure both the reality and the appearance of fairness in the administration of justice.

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