Delhi High Court Suspends Two District Judges Over Alleged Misconduct, Orders Disciplinary Proceedings
In a significant step aimed at reinforcing judicial accountability, the Delhi High Court has suspended two judicial officers of the Delhi Higher Judicial Service after finding prima facie material indicating alleged misconduct. The decision was taken by the Full Court, which also ordered the initiation of formal disciplinary proceedings against both officers. The action reflects the High Court’s commitment to maintaining integrity and public confidence in the subordinate judiciary.
The two officers placed under suspension are Vinay Singhal, a District Judge of the Delhi Higher Judicial Service, and Veena Rani, who was serving as the Presiding Officer of a Commercial Court. The suspensions were approved during separate Full Court deliberations held earlier this month after vigilance-related material was placed before the judges for consideration.
In the case of Vinay Singhal, the High Court ordered his immediate suspension pending disciplinary proceedings. Under the suspension order, his headquarters will remain at the office of the Principal District & Sessions Judge (Headquarters), Tis Hazari Courts, Delhi. He has also been directed not to leave Delhi without obtaining prior permission from the competent authority. As provided under the applicable service rules, he will receive subsistence allowance and other admissible benefits during the suspension period.
The second suspension concerns Veena Rani, a District Judge posted at the Commercial Court. According to media reports, a vigilance inquiry preceded the Full Court’s decision. While reports have referred to allegations involving judicial misconduct, the High Court has not publicly disclosed the detailed factual basis of the inquiry, and the disciplinary proceedings will determine whether the allegations are ultimately substantiated. At this stage, no finding of guilt has been recorded.
Suspension pending inquiry is an administrative measure and does not amount to punishment or a declaration of guilt. It enables an independent and impartial investigation while ensuring that the disciplinary process proceeds without interference. The officers will have the opportunity to respond to the allegations during the inquiry in accordance with the Delhi Higher Judicial Service Rules and applicable disciplinary procedures.
The action has attracted considerable attention within legal circles because disciplinary proceedings against serving judicial officers are relatively uncommon and are generally initiated only after careful scrutiny by the High Court’s administrative and vigilance mechanisms. Legal experts view the decision as reflecting the judiciary’s emphasis on institutional accountability while preserving procedural fairness for the officers concerned.
The disciplinary proceedings will now continue under the applicable service rules. Depending on the outcome of the inquiry, the High Court may decide whether the allegations warrant any further disciplinary action. Until the proceedings conclude, both officers will remain under suspension, and the allegations against them remain subject to adjudication through the prescribed disciplinary process.
