Himachal judge suspended for harassing woman colleague

Shashi Kant

Tribune News Service

Shimla, July 1

Taking a serious note of the alleged misconduct with a woman judge by her colleague, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has suspended the latter pending a detailed inquiry.

The first of its kind incident has stunned the judicial fraternity in the state. The HC has directed that the investigation in the case be completed within two months.

Sources said the incident took place on June 8 when the victim went to Manali to take part in a national-level conference on drug abuse. The event, attended by Supreme Court and high court judges besides those from the state judicial services, was held from June 11 to 13.

The victim was asked to arrive 3-4 days in advance to make preparations for the event. It was here that the accused tried to force her to accompany him to a local resort and allegedly teased and harassed her. Following this, she complained to the Chief Justice, who ordered an inquiry. A complaint filed by the accused was also being investigated, sources said.