The Kerala High Court has suspended Udayakumar V, a judicial officer, following allegations of sexually coloured and obscene remarks made to a woman litigant. Disciplinary proceedings are now under consideration while he receives subsistence allowance during suspension.
Kochi: The Kerala High Court has suspended a judicial officer following allegations of sexual misconduct. The officer in question, Udayakumar V, was serving as a judge at the Chavara Family Court when a woman litigant accused him of making sexually coloured and obscene remarks during counselling sessions.
The woman reported the matter to the Kollam Principal District Judge. After the complaint reached the administrative committee of the Kerala High Court, Udayakumar was transferred to the Kollam Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) by an order dated August 20.
Alongside the transfer, the administrative committee also instructed the Registrar (District Judiciary) to conduct a thorough probe into the allegations.
On August 26, after reviewing written complaints against Udayakumar and examining the reports submitted by the Kollam Principal District Judge, the Kerala High Court decided to place the judicial officer under suspension.
The court also indicated that disciplinary proceedings concerning the allegations of misconduct are being considered.
The suspension order states:
“Whereas disciplinary proceedings under Kerala Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1960 for grave allegations of misconduct is contemplated against Sri. Udayakumar V, MACT, Kollam (formerly Judge, Family Court, Chavara) in view of the written complaints against the officer and the reports of the Principal District Judge, Kollam. And whereas it is considered necessary by the High Court in public interest that Sri.Udayakumar V, MACT, Kollam should be suspended from service pending further action in the matter; It is hereby ordered that Sri.Udayakumar V, MACT, Kollam be placed under suspension forthwith.”
During the suspension period, Udayakumar will receive the maximum subsistence allowance along with other allowances as per the Kerala Service Rules.
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This action by the Kerala High Court comes amid growing public attention to allegations of misconduct within the judiciary, highlighting the court’s intent to maintain accountability and transparency.
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