Ramanathapuram principal district and sessions Judge Govindarajulu has been placed under suspension following corruption charges levelled against him by the local bar association. The lawyers had been boycotting the sessions court for the last over one month accusing him of being partial in discharging his duty.
“We were not happy with the way he was conducting himself in court matters. Hence, we stayed away from his court demanding action,” said an office-bearer of the Ramanathapuram Bar Council. He also claimed that a section of lawyers and litigant public sent complaints against the judge to the Madras high court following which it ordered the Prevention of Corruption and Vigilance Committee to conduct an investigation.
While reports claimed Madurai bench of Madras high court Udhayan held an inquiry with Bar Council members, he, when contacted, denied knowing anything about the suspension order.
“Only Registrar General of Madras high court in Chennai sends such orders. I do not know anything. I only collected the materials and sent to him.”
Another office-bearer in the Bar said there were other charges against the judge such as coming late to court and sleeping while hearing cases. “He is a diabetic and sometimes, he is found dozing off in the court hall while on duty. However, these charges are minor in nature,” he said.
Sources said the suspension order was issued on Friday. Since judge Govindarajulu has availed medical leave, a copy was handed over to district judge Sivasubramanian. He has been serving in Ramanathapuram for the last 6 months.