Madhya Pradesh High Court Upholds Dismissal of Judge for Acquitting Accused Without Written Judgments

In a landmark decision underscoring the sanctity of judicial procedures, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has affirmed the dismissal of Civil Judge Mahendra Singh Taram. The judge faced removal from service after it was discovered that he had acquitted accused individuals in multiple criminal cases without issuing the requisite written judgments.

Background of the Case

Mahendra Singh Taram, appointed as a Civil Judge Class-II in 2003 through the Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission, served in various capacities across the state. During his tenure at Tehsil Niwas in Mandla district, a surprise inspection by the District Judge (Vigilance) in December 2012 revealed that Taram had delivered final verdicts in at least three criminal cases without documenting written judgments. Additionally, he had adjourned two other cases without preparing the necessary order sheets.

Departmental Inquiry and Findings

Following the inspection, a departmental inquiry was initiated. The Enquiry Officer found Taram guilty of grave misconduct under Rule 3 of the Madhya Pradesh Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1965. The Full Court, upon reviewing the findings, recommended his removal from service, which was executed by the Law and Legislative Department in September 2014. Taram’s appeal against this decision was dismissed in August 2016.

High Court’s Rationale

In his writ petition, Taram contended that his actions were unintentional, attributing them to workload pressures and personal stress. He also cited a precedent where another judge received a lesser punishment for similar misconduct. However, the Division Bench, comprising Chief Justice Suresh Kumar Kait and Justice Vivek Jain, observed that Taram’s actions constituted grave misconduct, emphasizing that delivering judgments without written documentation undermines the integrity of the judicial process.

The court noted, “A judicial officer cannot pronounce the concluding portion of his judgment in open court without the entire text of the judgment being prepared/dictated.” This principle reinforces the necessity of maintaining comprehensive records to ensure transparency and accountability in the judiciary.

Implications for Judicial Accountability

This ruling serves as a stern reminder of the responsibilities entrusted to judicial officers. The judiciary’s credibility hinges on adherence to procedural norms, and any deviation can erode public trust. By upholding Taram’s dismissal, the High Court has reiterated its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of judicial conduct.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court’s decision to uphold the dismissal of Civil Judge Mahendra Singh Taram underscores the critical importance of procedural diligence in the judiciary. It sends a clear message that deviations from established protocols, especially in criminal cases, will not be tolerated, thereby reinforcing the pillars of justice and accountability.