Punjab and Haryana High Court, under the stewardship of Acting Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia, has taken decisive action against judicial officers implicated in misconduct.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court, under the stewardship of Acting Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia, has taken decisive action against judicial officers implicated in misconduct. In a significant move demonstrating the court’s zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and indiscipline, a recent full court meeting led to the recommendation for dismissal and suspension of services for several judicial officers.
Also Read- Delhi High Court Upholds Citizenship Act Over Passport Manual (lawchakra.in)
Sachal Babbar, a Punjab-cadre officer who held the position of Civil Judge (Junior Division) in Bathinda, has been recommended for dismissal following a suspension in a previous decision. This action comes after detailed discussions regarding allegations against him during his tenure at a different location. Additionally, Jyoti Mehra and Kunal Garg, both of whom were serving in Palwal, have been placed under suspension for separate reasons. Mehra has been notably absent from duty since December last year without proper authorization, coupled with two formal complaints against her conduct. In contrast, Garg, associated with the District Legal Services Authority, is also under scrutiny for separate allegations.
The full court meeting, an assembly inclusive of all judges from the high court, typically addresses administrative matters affecting justice dispensation, judicial officer oversight, and related affairs. The meeting’s decisions, which can range from transfers and postings to disciplinary actions, reflect the judiciary’s commitment to maintaining integrity and discipline within its ranks.
Also Read- Delhi High Court: Delay In Rape Cases Prolongs Victims Suffering (lawchakra.in)
Further exacerbating concerns within the judiciary, the high court is investigating a potential scam involving judicial officers employing their relatives as staff under false pretenses. These positions, meant to be filled by peons or drivers compensated at state-sanctioned “DC” rates, have allegedly been misused for personal financial gain.
This string of disciplinary actions is not isolated; since October of the previous year, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has suspended at least three judicial officers and dismissed two. These actions are part of a broader initiative to combat corruption, indiscipline, and complacency within the subordinate judiciary. The court’s consistent efforts to enforce strict standards and initiate proceedings against over 24 judicial officers send a clear message regarding the judiciary’s stance on ethical conduct and professionalism.
In sum, the recent disciplinary measures undertaken by the Punjab and Haryana High Court underline the judiciary’s unwavering commitment to upholding the principles of justice, transparency, and accountability, emphasizing a stern approach to any deviations from these core values.
Also Read- Delhi High Court Rules Public Humiliation Of Husband By Wife As Mental Cruelty (lawchakra.in)