Lower court judges under HC scanner for alleged misuse of funds

The Delhi High Court has ordered a probe into alleged financial irregularities in purchase of computers and laptops by around 300 Delhi lower court judges from funds provided to them by it and the Delhi government in 2013.

The probe into the manner in which the money was spent by the subordinate judges will be conducted by a panel of three high court judges constituted by Delhi High Court Chief Justice G Rohini.

Sources in the high court and subordinate judiciary said today that the panel comprising justices Vipin Sanghi, Rajiv Shakdher and V K Rao will scrutinise the documents including utilisation certificate submitted by the judicial officers on purchase of these items.

The sources said that under the scheme around 300 judges were sanctioned Rs 1.1 lakh each for upgrading their office computers and infrastructure.

A circular while allocating funds for purchase of electronic gadgets was issued to the judges early this year in which it was stated that the judicial officers have the freedom to buy computers, laptops or iPads, to increase their efficiency in disposal of cases.

The sources, however, said that the circular did not mention how the money has to be spent and that a part of it has to be kept separately for maintenance of gadgets.

The sources said that the probe panel recently issued show cause notices to all the judicial officers, who have allegedly misused the funds, and directed them to furnish details regarding the same.

The sources said that the irregularities came to light during a routine vigilance enquiry conducted by high court officials.

The enquiry was ordered after evidence in this regard was shown to the Delhi High Chief Justice and other senior judges including the computer committee, the sources said.

The sources said that in response to the notice many of the judges have sent detailed replies explaining what was purchased by them.