The Delhi High Court withdrew judicial duties from Rohini Court District Judge Rakesh Kumar and attached him to the Delhi Judicial Academy after a viral courtroom confrontation involving lawyers, including the Rohini Court Bar Association president, during proceedings in Court No. 212.
NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court has withdrawn Rohini Court’s District Judge Rakesh Kumar‘s regular judicial duties and attached him to the Delhi Judicial Academy in a diverted administrative capacity forthwith. The move reportedly comes just hours after a heated verbal confrontation between the judge and several advocates including the President of the Rohini Court Bar Association went viral online.
According to reports, the incident occurred on Saturday, May 16, during proceedings in Court No. 212. It is alleged that Advocate Rajiv Tehlan sought a routine “passover” in a matter listed before the court. What began as a procedural request allegedly escalated into a tense argument inside the courtroom between the judge and the lawyers present.
Judge Rakesh Kumar is accused of making hostile and derogatory remarks during the confrontation, including lines such as “Jo karna hai kar lo” (“Do whatever you want to do”) and questions targeting references to higher courts, including “Aapke baap dada baithe hain High Court Supreme Court mein?” (“Are your fathers and grandfathers sitting in the High Court or Supreme Court?”).
It is also alleged that abusive and unparliamentary language was directed at members of the legal fraternity. One claim in circulation states that the slur “chutiya” was used during the exchange.
Lawyers who were present reportedly objected strongly to the comments. Viral videos on social media reportedly show advocates accusing the judge of spending time drinking in his chamber rather than attending to judicial work. Some lawyers are also heard using derogatory terms for the judge and labeling him an “addict.” Court staff intervened to prevent the altercation from worsening and to avoid any physical confrontation.
In response, the Coordination Committee of District Court Bar Associations in Delhi issued a statement criticising the judge’s alleged conduct. The committee described the behaviour towards Advocate Rajiv Tehlan an office-bearer of the Bar as “highly objectionable,” stating that it undermines the dignity of advocates as well as the justice delivery system.
The committee urged the High Court to hold a fair inquiry and take strict disciplinary action. It also stressed the need to preserve mutual respect between the Bar and the Bench and called for immediate intervention.
“After detailed deliberations, the Coordination Committee resolved that DJ-04 Sh. Rakesh Kumar-V, North-West District, Rohini Courts, be immediately transferred from Rohini Courts, all judicial work be withdrawn from him forthwith and an enquiry into his conduct be initiated at the earliest.”
Several lawyers and Bar leaders characterised the episode as an “attack on the independence of the Bar” and urged judicial authorities to ensure accountability so that courtroom decorum and institutional dignity are protected.
The controversy also led to protests and increased calls for action, with some sections of the Bar reportedly considering a suspension of work across district courts in Delhi. However, the High Court’s prompt administrative intervention appears to have prevented any broader boycott or disruption of court proceedings.
Subsequently, the High Court assigned District Judge Dheeraj Mittal to take over at Rohini Courts. The order noted that Judge Rakesh Kumar had been “attached to the Judicial Academy,” describing a posting typically involving training, administrative, or faculty-related duties rather than regular courtroom functions. Such assignments are often made when there are administrative or disciplinary concerns, while the judicial officer remains within the judicial cadre.
That said, the High Court has not yet announced any formal inquiry or disciplinary proceedings against the judge related to the incident.
FOLLOW US FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES ON YOUTUBE
