Today, On 18th December, Supreme Court heard a plea by Rajasthan Judicial Officer Anu Aggarwal, with CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi examining bail handling. “You Cannot Act As A Gatekeeper,” the Court said, pulling up the officer over bail handling.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court heard a plea filed by Rajasthan Judicial Officer Anu Aggarwal.
The matter was taken up by a Bench comprising CJI Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi.
During the hearing, the Court examined the conduct of the judicial officer in relation to the handling of a bail application.
Justice Joymalya Bagchi made strong observations on the issue of judicial responsibility and procedural conduct.
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He stated,
“You cannot act as a gatekeeper and refuse to hear a matter unless a particular undertaking or application is filed.”
The remark highlighted that a judicial officer cannot deny consideration of a matter on procedural grounds that are not legally mandated.
CJI Surya Kant also expressed serious concern over the manner in which the bail application was dealt with.
He observed,
“The case reflects dereliction of duty in dealing with a bail application, contrary to an earlier High Court order.”
The Court noted that the approach adopted in the case appeared inconsistent with directions previously issued by the High Court.
During the proceedings, the petitioner sought permission to withdraw the plea. It was submitted that the withdrawal was sought in order to approach the High Court on the administrative side for appropriate relief. After considering the request, the Supreme Court allowed the same.
In its order, the Court granted permission to withdraw the plea, thereby enabling the petitioner to pursue remedies before the High Court on the administrative side.
Case Title: ANU AGGARWAL V STATE OF RAJASTHAN, Diary No. 58545-2025