New Delhi, 18 May (H.S.): The Delhi High Court has transferred the judge accused of alleged misconduct towards a lawyer at Rohini Court. According to the notification issued by the High Court, Judge Rakesh Kumar Pancham has been attached to the office of the Director of the Delhi Judicial Academy.

Meanwhile, lawyers across Delhi observed a strike on Monday in protest against the alleged misconduct by Judge Pancham. Reports indicated that in nearly all district courts, advocates were prevented from entering courtrooms. The strike was called by the Coordination Committee of All District Courts Bar Associations of Delhi.

The controversy stems from an incident that allegedly took place on May 16 during proceedings in the courtroom of Judge Rakesh Kumar Pancham at Rohini Court. During the hearing of a matter, Rohini Court Bar Association President Rajeev Kumar Tehlan reportedly requested a “pass over,” seeking that the matter be taken up later.

The judge allegedly declined the request, following which several more lawyers entered the courtroom, leading to a heated exchange between the advocates and the judge. According to members of the legal fraternity, the situation escalated significantly, with allegations that the judge used abusive language and addressed lawyers in an insulting and disrespectful manner.

Describing the incident as a serious case of judicial misconduct, lawyers subsequently lodged a formal complaint before the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court.

According to the complaint, after observing what was described as unstable physical behaviour and facial redness on the part of the judge, the Bar Association President demanded that Judge Pancham undergo an immediate medical examination.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar