Mavelikkara Additional District Sessions Judge VG Sridevi has sentenced fifteen accused to death in the case of brutally hacking to death Ranjith Srinivasan, a lawyer and BJP leader in Alappuzha. The government has appointed a special police force for Sridevi's security.

The duty of the courts is to administer justice without fear of caste, religion, or political considerations. No one should interfere with the absolute independence of the courts in the administration of justice as such interference is a serious crime.

Justice in the country relies on the sovereignty of the courts. The mass execution in the Ranjith murder case in Alappuzha, which shocked the nation, is described as extreme. The district judge, based on sufficient evidence and numerous testimonies awarded the maximum sentence to the accused under the relevant sections of the Penal Code.

After the judgment, protests and harsh abuses emerged on social media against the judge. Threats were even made to the judge's physical safety. Six people have been arrested for issuing threats. The government's intervention prevented further posts on social media after the initial agitation.

Attacks on the judiciary and judges are not uncommon in the state. Efforts to threaten judges, throw mud at them and issue threats should be nipped in the bud.

Defendants have the right to file an appeal in the Supreme Court against the judgment of the Sessions Court in the Alappuzha case. They are likely to utilize that facility. Instead of resorting to cyber-attacks, efforts should focus on presenting a strong appeal with skilled lawyers.

Cyber-attacks against the judge undermine the justice system. Society should take such attempts seriously, as the independence of the judiciary is the last hope for the common man in the country and a crucial pillar of democracy.

In some northern states, judges delivering arbitrary verdicts face threats. There have been shocking incidents including a judge being run over and killed for an adverse verdict. Kerala society, respectful of the judicial system, must not allow any attempt to defame it.

The idea of launching cyber attacks against anyone with a smartphone is gaining ground. High personal criticisms, insults and threats against the honorable judge should be addressed seriously with adults receiving exemplary punishment.