Bengaluru | The Karnataka High Court has directed its Registrar General to place the matter involving Principal Civil Judge Gayathri of Malur before the Chief Justice (CJ) for consideration of appropriate administrative and judicial action. The order follows allegations that the judge misused her official position in connection with a road rage incident involving members of the public.
The High Court observed that the conduct attributed to the judge was inconsistent with the standards expected of a judicial officer and raised concerns over the alleged misuse of legal processes in what it described as a personal dispute.
High Court Expresses Serious Concern
The order was passed by a single-judge bench headed by Justice M. Nagaprasanna while hearing criminal petitions filed by K.M. Vinay, V. Kavitha, and P. Venkatesh, who sought the quashing of an FIR registered against them at the Malur Police Station on the judge’s complaint.
During the hearing, the High Court remarked that it is highly inappropriate and dangerous for a judicial officer to become involved in road rage incidents or personal vendettas.
The court observed that:
- A minor road rage incident was allegedly taken personally.
- The judicial office should never be used to settle personal disputes.
- The alleged misuse of legal authority leading to the arrest of citizens is a matter of serious concern.
The bench stated that such conduct, if established, could undermine public confidence in the judiciary.
Matter Referred to the Chief Justice
Considering the seriousness of the allegations, the High Court ordered that the case file be placed before the Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court for any further administrative or judicial proceedings deemed necessary against the subordinate judicial officer.
The court emphasized that accountability within the judiciary is essential to maintaining the integrity and credibility of the justice system.
Video Evidence Presented During Hearing
During the proceedings, the State Government’s counsel reportedly presented a video circulating on social media showing the alleged incident.
The government advocate also submitted a copy of an order indicating that Civil Judge Gayathri herself had filed a complaint seeking the removal of the video from social media platforms, following which an official order had been issued.
The court took note of these developments while examining the circumstances surrounding the case.
Background of the Case
The dispute reportedly began after motorcyclists overtook the judge’s car, leading to a confrontation on the road.
Following the incident, the judge allegedly instructed the police to initiate criminal proceedings against the riders.
An FIR was subsequently registered against the petitioners under several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges related to:
- Wrongful restraint
- Obstructing a public servant from performing official duties
- Common intention
- Criminal intimidation
- Intentional insult
- Insulting the modesty of a woman
The accused later approached the Karnataka High Court, challenging the legality of the FIR and alleging misuse of legal authority.
Significance of the Order
The High Court’s observations underscore the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring that judicial officers remain accountable and exercise their powers with fairness and impartiality.
By referring the matter to the Chief Justice, the court has opened the door for a detailed examination of whether the conduct of the concerned judicial officer warrants disciplinary or other appropriate action under the judicial administrative framework.
The case also highlights the importance of maintaining public trust in the justice system, with the High Court stressing that personal disputes should never be allowed to influence the exercise of judicial authority.
