Verify complaints against subordinate judges before action: TS Thakur, CJI

NEW DELHI: Chief Justice of India TS Thakur has directed all the high courts not to take any action on complaints against judicial officers in subordinate judiciary unless it is accompanied by a sworn affidavit or verifiable material to substantiate the allegations.

In pursuance of the directions, the Delhi High Court registrar has issued a circular, saying the CJI has expressed concern over a large number complaints being received by high courts against members of subordinate judiciary and sought adherence to guidelines for maintaining uniformity of procedure while dealing with such complaints.

"The complaint making allegations against members of the subordinate judiciary should not be entertained and no action should be taken thereon unless it is accompanied by a duly sworn affidavit and verifiable material to substantiate the allegations made therein," the circular quoting the guidelines said.

It said if action on such a complaint, which is meets the requirement, is deemed necessary, its authenticity should be duly ascertained and further steps should be taken only after the satisfaction of the competent authority designated by the Chief Justice of the high court.

The circular added that the complainant, while making any complaint in this court against any of the members of Delhi Higher Judicial Service or Delhi Judicial Service, is required to "strictly" observe these guidelines.