India, Aug. 24 -- The Allahabad High Court has deplored an alleged attempt to "influence" a civil judge in a land dispute by the Divisional Commissioner of Devi Patan, a litigant in a three-decade-old case, saying it struck at the independence of the judiciary and obstructed the administration of justice.

Citing a Supreme Court precedent on threats or pressure against judges in relation to judicial proceedings, the High Court's Lucknow bench held that the matter required consideration by the court dealing with criminal contempt cases.

Justice Syed Qamar Hasan Rizvi directed that the matter be placed before the appropriate court after seeking directions from the Chief Justice or a senior judge.

The High Court said it could not ignore th...