SC Disposes Of Plea Of ADJ Bihar, Ratifies Patna HC's Communication Of Revocation Of Suspension Order

The Supreme Court today disposed of the plea filed by the Additional District and Sessions Judge of Bihar seeking a vacation of the suspension order issued by the Patna High Court against him.

The Bench comprising of Justice U. U. Lalit and Justice S. Ravindra Bhat was apprised by Senior Advocate Gaurav Agarwal that the Patna High Court has dropped the charges that were issued against the petitioner and has also revoked the suspension order.

Senior Advocate Vikas Singh pressed for the third prayer which was regarding his promotion and seniority for which the Court had granted him liberty to file a representation/petition to the High Court in the exercise of the legal remedies available to him.

The Apex Court was hearing a plea filed by Shashi Kant Rai, Additional District and Sessions Judge of Bihar challenging his suspension by the Patna High Court, allegedly for delivering a series of quick judgements, including in a POCSO case where he concluded the trial in a single day.

The Supreme Court had on the previous hearing advised the Patna High Court to drop the charges and investigation going on against the Additional District and Sessions Judge. The Court had remarked that, "It is our sincere advise to you to drop everything in the matter if you don't want us to go threadbare into it." The Court had also remarked that the disciplinary actions could be initiated only when there are allegations of malafide or corruption against him.

After the order of the previous hearing of 8th August, the Patna High Court had on 12th August dropped the proceedings that had been initiated against the judge and recalled the order of suspension that was issued against him.

The court had agreed to hear the matter and had issued notice in the matter on 29th July.