“With A Very Sorry Note, I Refuse”: NCLAT Judge Recuses Himself After Brother’s Unfair Request

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Justice Sharad Kumar Sharma of NCLAT recused himself from an appeal after a personal request from his brother, emphasizing the importance of judicial impartiality. His decision underlines the ethical standards judges must uphold, as even perceived bias can necessitate withdrawal. The case will be reassigned to ensure integrity in the judicial process.

New Delhi: Justice Sharad Kumar Sharma of the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) on Wednesday recused himself from hearing an appeal after receiving a personal request from his brother regarding the case. “With a very sorry note, I refuse to hear this appeal,” he remarked, expressing regret while emphasizing the importance of impartiality in judicial proceedings.

The unexpected revelation underscores the ethical standards expected of judges, where even the slightest perception of bias can lead to withdrawal from a case. Justice Sharma’s decision reflects his commitment to maintaining the integrity of the judicial process.

The appeal involved undisclosed parties, but Justice Sharma’s recusal highlighted a rare instance where familial connections led to a voluntary step back to ensure fairness. His decision has been widely recognized as a principled move, reinforcing the judiciary’s adherence to impartiality and transparency.

This incident serves as a reminder of the ethical challenges judges face and the measures they take to uphold justice. The appeal will now be assigned to another bench for further consideration, ensuring no conflict of interest affects the case proceedings.