Rajasthan High Court Suspends Judge Amid Corruption Probe
The Rajasthan High Court has taken decisive action by suspending additional district and sessions judge Rajendra Sahu with immediate effect. This suspension follows a preliminary inquiry into six separate allegations of corrupt practices, including improper granting of interim bails and paroles, as well as hearing matters beyond his judicial authority.
Details of the Suspension Order
According to an official order issued on Tuesday by Registrar General Chanchal Mishra, the suspension was ordered by Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma. The decision aims to prevent the judicial officer from influencing the ongoing inquiry against him. The action was taken under Rule 13 of the Rajasthan Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1958, in conjunction with a Full Court resolution dated October 30, 1971.
Sahu, an officer of the district judge cadre, was serving as additional district and sessions judge in Bhinmal town of Jalore district at the time of the suspension. His headquarters have now been shifted to the high court in Jodhpur, and he will be entitled to a subsistence allowance as per rules during this period. He has been directed to report immediately before the registrar general and is barred from leaving Jodhpur headquarters without prior permission.
Complaints and Allegations
Individual advocates and members of the Bhinmal Bar Association (BBA) had raised serious concerns regarding Sahu's behavior, citing instances of misbehavior and unethical practices. BBA secretary Shravan Dhaka confirmed that the association had submitted formal complaints highlighting the judge's non-professionalism. These complaints played a crucial role in initiating the inquiry and subsequent suspension.
High Court's Stance on the Suspension
The high court administration has stated that the suspension is a precautionary step to ensure a fair and uninfluenced inquiry. Further proceedings will depend on the outcome of the ongoing investigation. This move underscores the judiciary's commitment to maintaining integrity and accountability within its ranks, particularly in response to allegations of corruption and misuse of authority.
In summary, the suspension of Judge Rajendra Sahu marks a significant development in addressing judicial misconduct in Rajasthan, with the high court emphasizing transparency and due process in handling such sensitive matters.
