Principal district and vsuspended

Principal District and Sessions Judge Govindarajulu has been suspended on five charges, including corruption and sleeping while hearing cases, officials said.

The action was taken after an investigation by the Prevention of Corruption and Vigilance committee of Madras High Court, they said.

The court registrar Udhayan also held an inquiry with Bar Council members, who were up in arms against Govindarajalu over his conduct, the officials said.

The charges against the judge are violating court discipline, not sitting in court during court hours properly, sleeping while hearing cases and corruption.

Officials said a copy of the suspension order was given to District judge Sivasubramanian as Govindarajulu has availed medical leave.

Another copy was pasted on the door of his home, they said.