Zero Tolerance: HC Stance on Judicial Misconduct

In a recent verdict, the Allahabad High Court reinforced the termination of a judicial officer accused of soliciting dowry and attempting to sway a junior judge. Justices Saumitra Dayal Singh and Donadi Ramesh, presiding over the bench, emphasized the profound responsibility incumbent upon judicial officers, likening them to the high priests of a temple of justice. They underscored that any breach of this sacred trust by a judicial officer warrants no leniency or mercy.

Here’s what happened:

The Allahabad High Court dismissed Umesh Kumar Sirohi’s writ petition, an additional district judge who was terminated, asserting that any misconduct by a judicial officer to gain personal benefits would face severe consequences.
Sirohi contested the penalty order issued by the state government on April 16, 2021, which resulted in his immediate removal from service while he was serving as an additional district and sessions judge in Lalitpur.
The court emphasized the imperative for judicial officers to uphold the sanctity of justice, likening them to high priests safeguarding the purity of a temple of justice.
Sirohi faced two charge sheets from the High Court’s administrative side in 2016 and 2017, with allegations ranging from demanding dowry for his brother’s marriage to attempting to influence an investigating officer.
In the first charge sheet, Sirohi was accused of orchestrating a conspiracy against his brother’s wife and her family by falsely implicating them in a dowry case and attempting to sway the investigating officer.
The second charge sheet alleged Sirohi’s interference in the proceedings of a case registered by his wife and falsely accusing a district judge of bias.
Following inquiry reports, the High Court recommended Sirohi’s dismissal in 2020, which was accepted by the state government, leading to his termination, now contested in the writ petition.
After reviewing arguments and evidence, the court concluded that Sirohi’s actions constituted serious misconduct, particularly noting his attempts to influence the investigating officer and his involvement in the dowry demand.\
The court affirmed that judicial officers must maintain the highest standards of integrity and impartiality in carrying out their duties, ensuring the integrity of the judicial system.
Ultimately, the judgment underscores the judiciary’s commitment to upholding ethical conduct and ensuring accountability among its members.