The Delhi High Court has taken a decisive step by suspending two district judges following allegations of misconduct. The judges in question are Veena Rani, stationed at the Saket Court, and Vinay Singhal, serving at Tis Hazari Courts. The court issued the suspension order for Judge Singhal on July 10, followed by Judge Rani’s suspension on July 15.
According to a report by the Times of India, Judge Veena Rani is under scrutiny for allegedly participating in forum shopping. Meanwhile, Judge Vinay Singhal faces allegations concerning his conduct in the appointment of court auctioneers. It is claimed that he appointed individuals who were not eligible for the role, thereby enabling them to receive inflated payments.
The High Court’s suspension orders explicitly state that disciplinary proceedings are to be initiated against both judges. These actions have been undertaken in accordance with the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969, as well as the Delhi Higher Judicial Services Rules.
During the period of suspension, Judge Veena Rani is required to report to the office of the principal district and sessions judge in the South-East District, Saket, which has been designated as her headquarters. Similarly, Judge Vinay Singhal is instructed to mark his presence at the principal district and sessions judge’s office at Tis Hazari Courts, which will serve as his headquarters during his suspension.
The High Court has further imposed a restriction on the judges, prohibiting them from leaving the city of Delhi without obtaining prior permission from the court, ensuring that they remain available for the ongoing disciplinary proceedings.
