Delhi High Court Transfers Judge Rakesh Kumar to Judicial Academy

The Delhi High Court has ordered the immediate transfer of District Judge Rakesh Kumar to the Delhi Judicial Academy following a publicised altercation with a lawyer in a courtroom. This decision, announced on Sunday, comes in response to the video of the heated exchange, which circulated widely on social media, prompting outrage among the legal community.

Judge Rakesh Kumar, assigned to North-West District, Rohini, was relieved of his judicial responsibilities after the Coordination Committee of All District Court Bar Associations Delhi called for a suspension of judicial work across district courts in the city. The committee described Kumar’s conduct as 'highly objectionable and unbecoming' during the incident.

The official order, released by the High Court Registrar General, specifies that Rakesh Kumar will be allocated to the Judicial Academy in a different capacity. He will be succeeded in his role by District Judge Dheeraj Mittal, who previously held the position of Additional Director at the academy.

In the viral footage, the confrontation escalated as a lawyer, reportedly a leader within the Bar Association, accused the judge of using derogatory language. The altercation reached a point where the courtroom environment became increasingly volatile, necessitating intervention from court staff and security personnel to prevent further escalation.

The Coordination Committee held an emergency meeting soon after the incident and unanimously resolved to demand immediate action against Judge Kumar. In a statement, the committee reiterated the need for accountability, indicating that behaviour undermining the dignity of the judiciary would not be tolerated. They urged for strict disciplinary measures to ensure a respectful environment within the court system.

The directive from the High Court emphasises the need for maintaining procedural integrity, outlining mandatory protocols for announcing reserved judgments to eliminate delays for litigants affected by the transitions in court personnel. This administrative action is part of broader measures undertaken by the High Court to address the relationship between the bench and bar, aiming to foster an atmosphere of mutual respect and decorum in legal proceedings.

The incident has attracted considerable attention and has led advocates to emphasise the importance of a professional and respectful environment in courts. The High Court's swift response reflects its commitment to upholding the standards of judicial conduct and ensuring that the dignity of the judicial system is maintained.