In a significant observation, the Bombay High Court has underscored the paramount importance of dignity and professional conduct among judges and judicial officers. The court emphasized that such individuals should refrain from engaging in behaviors that could compromise the integrity and reputation of the judiciary.
The observation came during the dismissal of a plea filed by a civil judge junior division. The petitioner had contested his removal from judicial service in January 2022. The court determined that the petitioner’s alleged misconduct, including inappropriate behavior, failure to adhere to court timings, and allegedly appearing inebriated on multiple occasions, warranted his removal.
The court cited a previous Supreme Court ruling in the Nawal Singh vs State of Uttar Pradesh case, which stated that judicial service should not be equated to mere employment. The court stressed that judges exercise sovereign judicial power and are consequently held to the highest standards of conduct.
The petitioner’s alleged misconduct was brought to light through various reports submitted by the principal district and sessions judge of Nandurbar, the Jalgaon district judge, and the Maharashtra Judicial Academy. These reports documented instances of the petitioner’s inappropriate behavior, leading to his removal from the service under the Maharashtra Civil Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules.
The Bombay High Court’s ruling sends a clear message that judges and judicial officers must conduct themselves with the utmost decorum and professionalism. They are expected to uphold the integrity and reputation of the judiciary through their actions and demeanor, thereby maintaining public trust in the administration of justice.
