High Court says no to judge’s plea

The Delhi high court on Friday refused to quash prosecution of a judge who took a R2,000 bribe 24 years ago.

The Delhi high court on Friday refused to quash prosecution of a judge who took a R2,000 bribe 24 years ago.

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"Judicial officer holds a sacred office and it is his duty to uphold its sanctity. It is expected of a judge to maintain impeccable integrity because when all doors are closed to ordinary citizens, he looks up to the judicial officer for justice," said justice Ajit Bharihoke.

The court made the remarks while dismissing a petition filed by Gulab Tulsiyani, who was booked under the Prevention of Corruption Act 24 years ago, seeking the quashing of the chargesheet.

Caught while he was a metropolitan magistrate, the judge was accused of demanding and accepting a bribe of R2,000 from a complainant.

"There can be no denial that allegations against the petitioner are of grave nature which, if proved, true cannot go unpunished," said justice Bharihoke.

Tulsiyani defended himself, saying his prosecution sanction given by the Delhi L-G was invalid as he enjoyed immunity. But the court said such immunity was only available to judges and public servants in relation to offences alleged to have been committed while discharging official duty.