RAMESH P VAGHELA Vs. STATE OF GUJARAT

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner was a judicial officer serving as a Joint District Judge in the cadre of District Judge. He was subjected to two departmental inquiries one after another for various charges of misconducts in discharging his duty as Judicial Officer. Ultimately, respondent No.2 Disciplinary Authority rendered a common decision dated 24th March, 2009 in respect of both the inquiries and imposed penalty of dismissal under Rule 6(8) of the Gujarat Civil Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1971 (hereinafter referred to as the said Rules ). The respondent No.1 thereupon issued Notification dated 04th May, 2009 dismissing the petitioner from service.

(2.) The basic facts as well as relevant dates and events may be outlined. The petitioner joined the services on 06th May, 1993 in the cadre of District Judge at the age of 43 years as direct recruitee from the Bar. He was initially appointed as Joint District Judge and served on the said post at Surendranagar, Palanpur, Bhavnagar and Rajkot. After the Report of Shetty Commission, his designation was changed as Additional District Judge.

(3.) The petitioner appeared in person and made submissions. Learned senior advocate Mr.Shalin Mehta assisted by learned advocate Mr.Hemang Shah appeared for respondent No.2 and learned Assistant Government Pleader Mr.Utkarsh Sharma represented the respondent No.1. Heard the petitioner party-in-person as well as learned counsels for the respondents at length.