The Supreme Court on Monday (January 5, 2026) expressed serious concern over the trend of frivolous allegations being leveled against judicial officers at the behest of the aggrieved party and stressed that the safety of such officers is necessary. The court said this while canceling the dismissal of a judicial officer of Madhya Pradesh. The officer was accused of adopting different criteria in granting bail to the accused under the Excise Act and indulging in corruption.
Justice J. B. Pardiwala and Justice K. V. Vishwanathan’s bench said that the judicial officer was removed from service without following due procedure despite serving in the judiciary for 27 years with an impeccable service record.
According to PTI report, the court expressed serious concern over the increasing trend of filing frivolous allegations against the judicial officers of the subordinate judiciary at the behest of the aggrieved parties and said, ‘For this reason, the officers of the subordinate judiciary hesitate in granting bail and the burden of bail petitions on the High Courts and the Supreme Court increases.’
The court also said that strict action, including criminal action, should be taken against judicial officers involved in corrupt practices. The bench said that members of the bar also indulge in making frivolous allegations against members of the judiciary. The court warned of contempt action against those who do so.
Justice Vishwanathan said that High Courts should exercise caution while initiating disciplinary proceedings against judicial officers merely because of conflicting judicial orders. Justice Pardiwala agreed with the decision and praised the decision written by Justice Vishwanathan and said that it is a very bold decision, which will go a long way in ensuring the safety of honest judicial officers.
The Supreme Court directed Madhya Pradesh judicial officer Nirbhay Singh Sulia to be given full monetary benefits till his retirement and also set aside the High Court’s decision upholding the September 2015 order of dismissal and termination of his service.
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