Delhi High Court Suspends Judge Sanjeev Kumar Singh Over Conduct Concerns

In a major development, the Delhi High Court on Friday ordered the immediate suspension of trial court judge Sanjeev Kumar Singh. The decision follows adverse reports regarding his conduct and was taken during a full court meeting of high court judges last week. The court has also indicated that disciplinary proceedings against him are under consideration.

1. High Court’s Order

The one-page order issued by the registrar general of the Delhi High Court, Arun Bhardwaj, stated that Singh is suspended with immediate effect under the provisions of the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969, and the Delhi Higher Judicial Service Rules, 1970.

2. Restriction on Travel

The order further directs that during the suspension period, Singh cannot leave Delhi without prior approval from the competent authority. His headquarters will be the office of the Principal District and Sessions Judge, South District, Saket, New Delhi.

3. Trigger for Suspension

The suspension reportedly stems from adverse conduct reports against Singh. Though the details of these reports remain confidential, they were serious enough for the high court to take swift action.

4. Possible Disciplinary Proceedings

Officials confirmed that the Delhi High Court is considering disciplinary proceedings against Singh. If pursued, these proceedings could have long-term implications for his judicial career.

5. Singh’s Previous Role

Before his suspension, Sanjeev Kumar Singh served as a district judge at Saket Court, where he handled commercial cases. He was also the chairperson of the Saket Court’s residential complex committee, a role involving administrative responsibilities.

6. Significance of the Action

The immediate suspension of a sitting trial court judge is a rare move and highlights the seriousness of the concerns raised. It signals the judiciary’s commitment to maintaining integrity within the system.

7. Full Court Meeting Decision

The suspension order followed a full court meeting of all Delhi High Court judges last week. Such meetings are convened only in cases of significant importance, further underlining the gravity of the matter.

8. Singh’s Career in Judiciary

Singh, an officer of the Delhi Higher Judicial Service, has served in various capacities before his appointment as a district judge in Saket. His suspension marks a sharp turn in what had been a steadily advancing judicial career.

9. Judicial Accountability in Focus

The suspension is being viewed as part of a larger push towards judicial accountability. In recent years, courts have acted more decisively when allegations or reports cast doubt on the integrity of judicial officers.

10. What Lies Ahead

With his suspension in place, Singh’s immediate future rests on the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings. The case will be closely watched as it could set a precedent for how swiftly and transparently the judiciary deals with such issues.

Conclusion

The Delhi High Court’s suspension of Judge Sanjeev Kumar Singh underscores its zero-tolerance approach to matters affecting judicial integrity. As disciplinary proceedings loom, the spotlight will remain firmly on the case, which could shape the discourse around accountability and transparency in the Indian judiciary.