'Judges can be sacked without inquiry if found unworthy'

Mar 10, 2011 |

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New Delhi: Upholding the dismissal of a judge for getting his judgements written by somebody else, the Supreme Court has ruled judges can be removed summarily without an inquiry for misconduct or if they are found unworthy of their job.

The apex court said such a course of dimissal was essential to maintain the high standards of the judiciary.

"It cannot be disputed that the power under the aforesaid Articles is to be exercised by the Governor in consultation with the High Court. Under the scheme of the Indian Constitution, the High Court is vested with the power to take a decision for appointment of subordinate judiciary under Articles 234 to 236 of the Constitution.

"The High Court is also vested with the power to see that the high traditions and standards of the judiciary are maintained by the selection of proper persons to run the district judiciary. If a person is found not worthy to be a member of the judicial service or it is found that he has committed a misconduct, he could be removed from the service by following the procedure laid," the apex court said.

A bench of justices Mukundakam Sharma and A.R. Dave passed the judgement while dismissing the appeal filed by Ajit Kumar, a sub-judge, challenging his dismissal by the Jharkhand High Court without conducting any inquiry before his dismissal.

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