Punjab HC cracks whip on another judicial officer, suspends Kharar civil judge

In an effort to restore public confidence in the administration of justice, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has initiated action against nine judicial officers from Punjab and Haryana in about as many months, a pace of disciplinary scrutiny that underscores its zero-tolerance policy towards issues such as impropriety in the subordinate judiciary.

The latest in the series of measures came with the decision to place under suspension the services of Kharar Civil Judge (Junior Division) Karun Garg by the Chief Justice and Judges of the High Court in exercise of powers under Article 235 of the Constitution and the provisions of the Punjab Civil Services (Punishment and Appeal) Rules. The suspension follows an inquiry conducted by the HC’s Vigilance Department. The specific reasons in the latest case are not yet known.

Available information indicates that disciplinary action has been taken against nine judicial officers, three from Punjab and six from Haryana, after Justice Sheel Nagu assumed the charge as Chief Justice on July 9 last year.

From Punjab, two officers have been dismissed from service, while the services of one have been placed under suspension. Two judicial officers from Haryana have been dismissed from service, while the services of four have been placed under suspension.

The decisions were taken following deliberations in full court meetings — administrative sittings attended by all judges of the HC — convened to decide on key matters relating to the subordinate judiciary, including appointments, postings, transfers, promotions, and disciplinary action.

The intensifying pace of such action reflects a conscious institutional effort to address corruption, indiscipline and complacency. Over the past two years, the HC has moved against more than two dozen judicial officers, sending out a strong message of internal accountability.

“By acting firmly and transparently, the HC has made it clear that the preservation of judicial integrity begins from within. At a time when the conduct of the judiciary is under increasing public scrutiny, these measures serve not only as deterrents, but as institutional affirmations that the justice delivery system will hold its own officers to the highest standards,” said a high court functionary.