Allahabad HC Upholds Dismissal of Judicial Officer for Misconduct.
The Allahabad High Court has dismissed a writ petition challenging the removal of a judicial officer found guilty of serious misconduct. A division bench led by Justice Saumitra Dayal Singh upheld the penalty order issued by the state government last year.
Quoting the time-honoured view that judges are like priests of the justice system, the Court said any transgression to extract undue benefits will be dealt with strictly. The case pertains to charges against former Additional District Judge Umesh Kumar Sirohi dating back to 2016-17.
He was accused of demanding dowry and trying to influence investigations using his position after his sister-in-law filed a complaint. A separate allegation of attempting to influence court proceedings was also made.
An inquiry committee had accepted the charges and recommended dismissal which was implemented. However, Sirohi challenged the decision, citing bias.
After critically examining records of the case and associated proceedings, the High Court concluded the charges of serious misconduct, including dowry demand and interference, stood proven. It found no merits in challenging the penalty, saying it cannot be retained once a “bad fish” is identified.
The order upholds the time-honoured view of judicial accountability and ethics. It reminds all functionaries that people’s faith in the justice system depends on its defenders upholding the highest standards of integrity and decency.
