delhi-hc-suspends-trial-judge-initiates-disciplinary-proceedings

In an important development in the field of judicary, Delhi High Court has placed trial court judge Sanjeev Kumar Singh under suspension with immediate effect.

 

Even though the reason for the suspension is not known, but the High Court order says disciplinary action against Singh is being contemplated.In an order passed on August 29, Registrar General Arun Bhardwaj stated that while the inquiry is conducted, Kumar will not be able to leave Delhi without prior permission. 

 

“Whereas a disciplinary proceeding against Mr. Sanjeev Kumar Singh, an officer of Delhi Higher Judicial Service is contemplated. Now, therefore, this Court in exercise of the powers conferred by clause (a) of sub-rule (1) of Rule 3 of the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969 read with Rule 27 of Delhi Higher Judicial Service Rules, 1970, hereby places the said Mr. Sanjeev Kumar Singh under suspension with immediate effect,” the Court order read. 

 

It added, “It is further ordered that during the period that this order shall remain in force, the headquarters of Mr. Sanjeev Kumar Singh shall be the office of Principal District & Sessions Judge, South, Saket, New Delhi, and the said Mr. Sanjeev Kumar Singh shall not leave

Delhi without obtaining the prior permission of the competent authority.”The order also says that during the period of suspension, Sanjeev Kumar  Singh will be paid subsistence and other allowances as permissible under the relevant rules.This suspension means that Judge Singh cannot carry out his judicial duties until the disciplinary process is completed. His official headquarters during this period has been fixed at the office of the Principal District & Sessions Judge in South Delhi, Saket.

 

The Delhi High Court has taken this step under its authority by invoking the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969 along with the Delhi Higher Judicial Service Rules, 1970.Such orders are generally passed to ensure that judges or officers under scrutiny remain available for inquiry and do not interfere with the ongoing process.