Gujarat High Court Upholds Indispensable Ethics for Judges

The Gujarat High Court has underscored the need for judges to maintain the highest ethical standards, declaring that even a single adverse remark against them could justify compulsory retirement. This decision, handed down by a bench of Justices A S Supehia and L S Pirzada, highlights the court's commitment to upholding integrity within the judiciary.

The court dismissed a contention from J K Acharya, an ad hoc sessions judge who faced compulsory retirement, reiterating that such retirements serve public interest and are not punitive. Judges are expected to execute their duties with integrity, impartiality, and intellectual honesty as they bear the mantle of public trust.

The decision reflects a high bar for judicial conduct, stating that compulsory retirement can be based on general reputation, without tangible evidence, and is subject to judicial review on limited grounds. The ruling accentuates that a judge's impeccable integrity is vital for the justice system's strength and the rule of law's survival.

(With inputs from agencies.)