Libertatem Magazine

The Governor of Kerala demotes Santhosh Kumar from Sub Judge to a Munsiff for abuse of power

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Legal Action:

The governor of Kerala, P Sathasivam has ordered the demotion of Santhosh Kumar, Sub judge, Muvattupuzha to a lower rank munsiff magistrate for three years.

History:

Last year on April 11, The Kochi High Court had made some recommendations for suspension of Mr. Santhosh Kumar, Sub judge, Muvattupuzha in relation with the charges of grave misconduct, insubordination and negligence of duty as per the provisions under rule 11(1)(V) of Kerala Civil Services (classification control and appeal) rules, 1960.

Four years back, in 2014 certain allegations were imposed on him. Due to which,  the then Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court at Kochi ordered a detailed probe against him after receiving an anonymous complaint on May 5, 2014, against him, alleging his close ties to antisocial elements besides accepting bribes for passing favorable orders.

On the basis of the report of the Registrar (Vigilance) of the High Court dated January 12, 2015, he was suspended from January 30, 2015. The court also appointed B Kalam Pasha, special judge as the inquiry officer against Kumar who cited seven charges against him, of which four were proved.

In Kumar’s show cause notice, the committee found that his objections were without any merits after which the decision was forwarded to the government for ratification.

Kerala Governor, P. Sathasivam has ordered demotion of a Sub Judge as Munsiff, a lower rank, for misconduct.  The demotion is for three years. Sathasivam took the decision on the basis of recommendations by the Kerala High Court. The High Court found the conduct of the judge unbecoming of a judicial officer. The Judge pleaded guilty to receiving bribes which leads to judicial corruption. Bribery taken by the judges to earn an extra pound or to exercise their influence over a case in a way that benefits the briber. The High Court also found the judge of grave misconduct, insubordination, and dereliction of duty. Read Here

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