23 April 2024 Constitutional & Government >> Constitution & Law Procedure  

A judge in Maharashtra, India, was recently removed from service after a court upheld the decision of a disciplinary committee. The judge, who has not been named in reports, was accused of misconduct, including neglecting his duties and appearing intoxicated at a training course.

The judge reportedly failed to maintain proper court hours and frequently left the courthouse during working days. He also faced accusations of not attending to his cases properly, causing inconvenience to lawyers and litigants.

These allegations stemmed from reports filed by other judges, lawyers at the courthouse he worked at, and even staff members. The accusations culminated in a formal inquiry, which found evidence to support the charges.

The judge denied any wrongdoing and claimed to have a medical condition that necessitated his behavior. He also argued that an accident on his way to a judicial training course explained his alleged intoxication there. However, the court found the judge's explanations unsubstantiated by evidence.

The court, in its judgment, emphasized the high standards of conduct expected from judges. It acknowledged the disciplinary committee followed proper procedures and that the seriousness of the misconduct warranted the harsh punishment of removal from service.

This case highlights the importance of upholding judicial integrity. Judges are entrusted with immense power and public trust, and their behavior must reflect that responsibility.