Today, March 5, a judicial officer who alleged harassment by the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) has been reassigned to a different position. The transfer follows the officer’s accusations against the CJM, raising concerns about workplace conduct within the judicial system.
Kerala: Today (On 5th March): The petition filed before the Kerala High Court highlighting persistent harassment by her superior officer, the Judicial Magistrate of the First Class-II Court in Kottayam has been transferred to a new role.
An official decree released by P.J. Vincent, Registrar (District Judiciary), on Monday announced the mutual transfer of judicial officers Tiara Rose Mary and Deepa Mohanan, Additional Munsiff, Kottayam. The directive mandates both officers to assume their new responsibilities immediately, without entitlement to joining time or transfer allowance.
Simultaneously, Ms. Mohanan will be entitled to a supplementary pay of Rs. 1,250 per month for the additional administrative duties accompanying her new appointment. Ms. Mary has commenced leave since March 1, purportedly in protest against what she perceives as ‘continuos harassment’ by the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) of Kottayam. More than a month ago, she officially filed a complaint regarding this matter with the judicial officers’ grievance committee.
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In her formal communication to the committee, she accuses the CJM of public humiliation, biased assignment of supplementary responsibilities, and discriminatory treatment during her pregnancy. The letter defined the emotional strain caused by undue pressure, prejudiced actions in staff allocation, and unreasonable demands by the CJM, expressing concerns about the well-being of her unborn child.
Prompted by the complaint, the committee initiated an inquiry and requested an explanation from the CJM, Viveeja Sethumohan.
However, it’s worth noting that the CJM retains some authority over the transferred judicial officer, given that the Additional Munsiff also presides over Judicial First Class Magistrate Court 5. Nevertheless, matters concerning staff allocation and the drafting of confidential reports will be overseen by the relevant district judge, as per official sources.
