Delhi High Court Suspends District Judge Over Alleged Misconduct

The Delhi High Court has issued an order for the immediate suspension of Mohinder Virat, a district judge stationed in the south district, citing contemplated disciplinary proceedings. The order, issued on Tuesday, mandates that during the suspension period, the judge’s headquarters will be the office of the principal district and sessions judge in Saket. Furthermore, the judge is prohibited from leaving Delhi without securing explicit permission from the competent authority.

Background and Context

While official communication regarding the specific nature of the allegations remains limited, reports suggest the action follows an incident involving the judge in a public space. Sources indicated that authorities may be reviewing potential CCTV evidence related to the event. The High Court registrar general has not provided comments on the matter.

Career Profile

• Recent Roles: Before his appointment as district judge in Saket in August 2024, Virat served as special secretary for law, justice, and legislative affairs for the Delhi government, and as a legal adviser at the New Delhi Municipal Council in 2023.
• Judicial History: He entered the Delhi Judicial Service in 2003, starting as a civil judge in Karkardooma. He has since held various positions, including secretary of the District Legal Services Authority and roles in the Patiala House and Rohini courts, before his promotion to the Delhi Higher Judicial Service in 2014.

Broader Disciplinary Trends

This suspension marks a continuation of recent administrative actions by the Delhi High Court. Earlier this year, the court suspended two other judicial officers, Veena Rani and Vinay Singhal, following a full court meeting. The suspension of Singhal was notably linked to a vigilance probe concerning the appointment of court auctioneers.