Why Has Delhi High Court Suspended District Judge Veena Rani? Here's What We Know

In the latest development, the Delhi High Court suspended the district judge Veena Rani - marking as her second suspension from the same full court meeting held on July 10. Rani was chairing over a commercial court in the South East District before the order was issued.

People aware of the development said the decision followed a vigilance inquiry ordered by Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya. The official reason that led to the suspension has not been disclosed in the resolution made public by the high court registry.

Delhi High Court resolution places Veena Rani under suspension

It was on July 15, when the suspension was made through a resolution issued by registrar general Arun Bhardwaj. The resolution invoked disciplinary powers under clause (a) of sub-rule (1) of Rule 3 of the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969, read with Rule 27 of the Delhi Higher Judicial Service Rules, 1970.

"Whereas a disciplinary proceeding against Ms. Veena Rani, an officer of Delhi Higher Judicial Service is contemplated. Now, therefore, this Court in exercise of the powers conferred by clause (a) of sub-rule (1) of Rule 3 of the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969 read with Rule 27 of Delhi Higher Judicial Service Rules, 1970, hereby places the said Ms. Veena Rani under suspension with immediate effect," the resolution said.

However, Rani has been asked to stay in touch with the office of the principal district and sessions judge, South-East, Saket Courts. She is not allowed to exit Delhi without permission from the competent authority while she is suspended.

Second district judge suspension from July 10 full court meeting

Well she was not the only one suspended, the meeting was significant as the same court meeting suspended another district judge- Vinay Singhal. It was on July 10 that Singhal's suspension was made public. Rani's order was issued later, on July 15, though people aware of the matter said both decisions were taken at the July 10 meeting.

To the ones wondering that why was Singhal suspended- the answer is that he was suspended over allegations that he appointed a group of ineligible advocates as court auctioneers and is also accused of passing judicial orders that allowed them receive payments beyond limits that is permitted under certain rules.

In Rani's case, the resolution does not set out the allegations or the findings of the vigilance inquiry. A suspension at this stage does not amount to a finding of guilt.

What suspension means for a judicial officer

How critical is suspension in the judicial system? Well! It generally removes the officer from any active participation from the judicial works till the person remains suspended. The officer remains subject to service rules and is usually placed under restrictions linked to movement and reporting.

The fixation of direction with Rani's office at Saket Courts falls under that control measure. These factors will guarantee that the officer is accessible for the process of discipline.

Commercial courts play an important role for quick disposal of expensive commercial disputes. It is, thus, understandable why any disciplinary measures against a presiding officer of commercial courts attract attention of advocates and litigants.