Karnataka High Court Criticizes Judge for Road Rage Incident
The Karnataka High Court has taken a strong stance against a civil judge involved in a road rage incident. On Wednesday, the court reviewed evidence, including CCTV footage, which showed the judge’s involvement in a confrontation with two motorcyclists. These individuals faced criminal charges instigated by the judge herself. Justice M Nagaprasanna criticized this behavior as a blatant misuse of judicial power.
Abuse of Judicial Office
Justice Nagaprasanna highlighted that the actions of Judicial Officer Gayatri, serving as a Principal Civil Judge and Judicial Magistrate at Malur, were inappropriate. After her private vehicle was overtaken by a motorcyclist, the judge engaged in a dispute with the riders. The High Court remarked that such behavior was a “classic example” of abusing the authority of a judicial office.
“The video clearly indicates that it is wholly unbecoming of a judicial officer to engage in a quarrel over being overtaken on the road. If this act hurt the officer’s ego, it represents a classic abuse of judicial power,” the court asserted.
CCTV Evidence and Social Media
Footage from CCTV and social media circulated videos, portraying the judge’s conduct, were acknowledged by the court as inconsistent with the dignity expected of someone in her position. As a result, the court has halted any further investigation against the two motorcyclists whom the judge had accused.
In an important directive, the court has instructed the registry to present the order to the Chief Justice, recommending suitable administrative measures against the judicial officer.
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Petition and Court Observations
The court’s observations came during the hearing of a petition filed by three individuals challenging the criminal proceedings initiated against them by the judge. The complaint alleged offenses post an incident where the motorcyclists overtook the judge’s private car, occupied by her and her husband. CCTV evidence, however, contradicted these allegations, leading to serious concerns about the judge’s actions.
Senior Advocate DR Ravishankar, representing the Advocates’ Association of Bengaluru, stated that this incident was not isolated. The association had previously submitted complaints to the Administrative Judge about the same officer’s conduct.
Judicial Conduct Beyond the Courtroom
The High Court emphasized that the responsibilities of a judicial officer extend beyond courtroom duties. “The role of a judicial officer is not confined to the courtroom. Every action, both inside and outside the court, contributes to public trust or erosion of confidence in the judiciary,” the court noted.
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Justice Nagaprasanna remarked that all actions of a judge influence public perception. “A judge’s role transcends the courtroom. Interaction with the public must uphold the judiciary’s integrity,” he said.
High Court Questions Police Actions
The bench raised questions about the circumstances under which the case was filed against the motorcyclists. “Was the vehicle an official one? This appears to be a case of road rage, which is highly inappropriate,” the court stated. It criticized the police’s compliance with the judicial officer’s demands.
The court subsequently issued an interim order, pausing any further investigation against the petitioners. “There shall be an interim stay on further investigation. The judicial officer’s conduct must be reviewed by the Hon’ble Chief Justice,” the High Court concluded.
