This has just came onto my phone news feed, it may be a day or two old, but
@Champ_Pal @uppercut @Devadwal @Rajdeep @Vikram1989 - wont mind me adding this article:
The dark side of justice, 14 judges exposed in a shocking corruption scandal
The judiciary is the cornerstone of any democracy, ensuring justice, upholding constitutional rights, and maintaining the rule of law. In Bharat, where courts
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The judiciary is the cornerstone of any democracy, ensuring justice, upholding constitutional rights, and maintaining the rule of law. In Bharat, where courts have historically played a crucial role in protecting civil liberties and checking executive overreach, their integrity is paramount. A strong and impartial judiciary fosters public trust, reinforces
democratic institutions, and safeguards the rights of millions. However, when those entrusted with dispensing justice become entangled in corruption, it shakes the very foundation of the legal system. A corrupt judge compromises individual cases and erodes faith in the judicial process, leading to a dangerous cycle of lawlessness and mistrust.
If the guardians of justice themselves are corrupt, what remains of the Bharatiya judicial system? A judiciary riddled with bribery, favoritism, and misconduct turns into an instrument of injustice rather than justice. The consequences are dire—innocents may be punished, the guilty may walk free, and the common citizen may lose hope in seeking legal recourse. Corrupt judges weaken democratic principles, empower the powerful over the powerless, and turn the courts into arenas of exploitation. The recent exposure of financial irregularities and misconduct among judges raises alarming questions about the integrity of Bharat’s legal system. If justice is for sale, then the very fabric of democracy is under threat, demanding urgent accountability and reform.
The case of Judge R.K. Mittal and the Rs 50 crore scam
The judiciary is meant to be the last hope for justice, especially for the vulnerable seeking compensation for tragic losses. However, the case of Judge R.K. Mittal of the Railway Claims Tribunal in Patna exposes a shocking betrayal of this trust. Accused of orchestrating a massive Rs 50 crore fraud in death compensation claims, Mittal allegedly conspired with a group of five lawyers to exploit the system for personal gain. Between May 2015 and August 2017, an astonishing 91% of all applicants were represented by these lawyers, raising serious doubts about the legitimacy of their claims. Instead of ensuring rightful compensation for grieving families, Mittal and his associates allegedly manipulated the system to siphon off funds meant for the victims of railway accidents. The fraudulent withdrawals not only robbed the affected families of their due justice but also exposed deep-rooted corruption within the tribunal responsible for their welfare.
The government, recognizing the gravity of this financial and moral crime, took swift action against the accused. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched an investigation, conducting extensive searches on their premises two months ago. In a breakthrough, authorities have now attached 24 properties linked to Mittal and his co-conspirators, marking a significant step toward justice. However, this incident raises broader concerns about systemic corruption within Bharat’s judiciary. If those responsible for delivering justice become the very perpetrators of fraud, the legal system itself risks collapsing under its weight. The R.K. Mittal case is not just about one corrupt judge—it is a warning that faith in the judiciary will continue to erode without stricter oversight and severe consequences.
Justice Yashwant Varma and the corruption controversy
The judiciary is supposed to stand as the final bastion of integrity, but when a sitting High Court judge is implicated in corruption, it shatters public trust in the system. On March 14, 2025, a fire at the official residence of Delhi High Court Judge Yashwant Varma led to a shocking revelation—large amounts of cash, including half-burnt sacks containing remnants of Bharatiya currency, was discovered in the debris. This unexpected find raised serious suspicions, igniting a controversy that has rocked the legal community. What was meant to be a routine fire incident turned into a major scandal, forcing authorities to scrutinize Justice Varma’s financial dealings. Further investigations linked him to a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) FIR from 2018 concerning a massive sugar mill bank fraud case, suggesting that his questionable financial transactions had been under the radar for years.
The fallout from this revelation was swift. Recognizing the gravity of the allegations, the Supreme Court Collegium ordered Justice Varma’s immediate transfer to the Allahabad High Court, where he had previously served. Additionally, the Delhi High Court withdrew all judicial work assigned to him, effectively sidelining him from active duty. This decisive action signals an attempt to contain the damage, but the incident raises deeper concerns about corruption within the judiciary. If even High Court judges can be embroiled in financial scandals, it begs the question—how deep does the rot run?
Judicial misconduct, the suspension of Judge Rajeev Garg
The sanctity of the judiciary relies not only on fairness in judgments but also on the discipline and ethical conduct of those who serve within it. However, the case of Ludhiana’s Junior Division Civil Judge, Rajeev Garg, exposes a troubling breach of judicial ethics. On April 6, 2024, Garg was suspended following an inspection by Justice Sandhawalia, the Administrative Judge for the Ludhiana Sessions Division. The inspection uncovered glaring irregularities, including mismanagement of court proceedings, poor record maintenance, and an overall failure to discharge judicial duties responsibly. These findings pointed not only to incompetence but also raised serious concerns about corruption and misconduct. Such lapses in judicial responsibility undermine the credibility of the court and tarnish the reputation of the legal system.
In response to these alarming revelations, the Full Court of the Punjab and Haryana High Court took decisive action, ordering Rajeev Garg’s immediate suspension. This move underscores the judiciary’s growing intolerance for internal corruption and inefficiency. However, suspensions alone do not resolve the larger issue of accountability within the system. If unchecked, judicial misconduct like Garg’s can erode public trust, leading to a loss of faith in legal institutions. His suspension should serve as a wake-up call for stricter monitoring and reforms to prevent similar breaches in the future.
Judge Tarsem Mangala and the fight against Judicial corruption
The judiciary is expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, but when senior judges themselves are accused of corruption, it raises serious concerns about the system’s credibility. On January 11, 2024, Principal District Judge Tarsem Mangala of the Family Court in Faridkot was suspended by the Punjab and Haryana High Court over allegations of large-scale corruption. Though the specifics of the case remain undisclosed, the severity of the allegations was enough for the court to take immediate disciplinary action. As a Haryana cadre judge, Mangala held a crucial position in ensuring justice within family disputes, but his alleged misconduct casts a shadow over the fairness of the judiciary itself. Cases like these deepen public skepticism, making it harder for citizens to trust the legal system.
The swift suspension of Judge Mangala reflects the judiciary’s effort to crack down on internal corruption. However, merely removing corrupt judges from their posts is not enough. Mangala’s suspension serves as a warning that no judge is above the law, and restoring faith in the judiciary requires consistent and uncompromising action against those who exploit their positions for personal gain.
Justice SN Shukla: a second corruption case tarnishes the Judiciary
The judiciary, meant to be the pillar of justice, faces another credibility crisis as former Allahabad High Court Judge SN Shukla finds himself entangled in a fresh corruption case. On February 22, 2023, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed a case against Shukla and his wife for allegedly amassing assets worth ₹2.45 crore—disproportionate to their known sources of income—between 2014 and 2019. This is not the first time Shukla has been accused of misconduct. His name had previously surfaced in corruption allegations, making this a repeat offense that further damages the public’s trust in the judiciary. When high-ranking judges exploit their authority for personal enrichment, it raises grave concerns about the integrity of the system meant to uphold justice.
The CBI’s action against Shukla is a step in the right direction, signaling that no one is beyond accountability. However, the recurrence of corruption cases against the same individual highlights systemic loopholes that allow judicial figures to misuse their power unchecked. If a judge, once removed or investigated for corruption, can continue to engage in financial misconduct, it suggests that current measures to prevent and punish judicial corruption are inadequate.
Bribery in the Judiciary
The credibility of the judiciary hinges on its impartiality and integrity, yet corruption scandals continue to shake public faith in the system. One of the most shocking cases of judicial misconduct came to light in 2008 when a parcel containing ₹15 lakh in cash was mistakenly delivered to the residence of Justice Nirmaljit Kaur of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The parcel, however, was meant for Justice Nirmal Yadav, another judge of the same court. This blunder inadvertently exposed a bribery scandal that would lead to serious legal repercussions. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Justice Nirmaljit Kaur immediately lodged a police complaint, triggering an investigation that soon revealed a deeper nexus of corruption. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) took over the case, uncovering strong evidence that the money was part of an elaborate bribery scheme linked to Justice Nirmal Yadav.
Following the investigation, Justice Nirmal Yadav faced severe consequences. The Punjab and Haryana High Court suspended her, marking one of the rare instances where a sitting high court judge was penalized for corruption. However, the case raises important questions—how many similar incidents go unnoticed or unreported? Would the bribery scheme have ever been exposed if this mistake had not occurred?
Judge Jitendra Mishra suspended for demanding bribe
The credibility of the judiciary was put to the test when Additional District Judge Jitendra Mishra of Dwarka Court was accused of corruption. On December 23, 2017, allegations surfaced that he had demanded a bribe in exchange for the premature release of fixed deposits, a clear misuse of his judicial authority for personal financial gain. Such unethical practices erode public trust in the legal system and raise serious concerns about how many similar cases go unreported.
Recognizing the severity of the allegations, the Delhi High Court took immediate action and suspended Judge Mishra from his duties. While his suspension served as a warning against judicial misconduct, it also underscored the urgent need for more stringent anti-corruption measures within Bharat’s judiciary.
Judge Naveen Arora accused of accepting favors from an accused
On the same day, December 23, 2017, another corruption case rocked the judiciary as Special Judge Naveen Arora of the Dwarka District Court was accused of accepting undue favors. Reports indicated that during an overseas trip in 2016, his travel and stay were partly funded by an accused individual, violating the fundamental principles of judicial integrity. A complaint regarding this unethical conduct was submitted to the Delhi High Court administration, prompting immediate scrutiny.
The Delhi High Court acted swiftly, suspending Judge Arora to uphold judicial accountability. This case highlighted a disturbing reality—when judges accept benefits from parties involved in legal proceedings, it compromises the impartiality of the judiciary. The incident serves as a reminder of the necessity for strict ethical guidelines and continuous oversight to ensure that Bharat’s judicial system remains free from corruption and undue influence.
Judge Rachna Tiwari arrested by CBI for accepting bribe
In a major corruption scandal, Senior Civil Judge Rachna Tiwari of Tis Hazari Court, Delhi, was arrested on September 30, 2016, after being caught red-handed accepting a bribe of ₹4 lakh from an advocate. The advocate in question had been appointed as a local commissioner in a case she was adjudicating, raising serious concerns about judicial impartiality. The situation worsened when a search of her residence revealed a staggering ₹94 lakh in cash, indicating a deeper web of financial irregularities.
Following her arrest, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed a charge sheet against her in 2018, formally implicating her in corruption-related offenses. Furthermore, the CBI extended its investigation to her husband, Alok Lakhanpal, booking both under anti-corruption laws. This case exposed the alarming extent of bribery within the judiciary, highlighting how some judges exploit their positions for personal financial gain. The swift action by the CBI set a precedent for stringent measures against corrupt judicial officials.
Gujarat HC suspends Judge A D Acharya after bribe talks caught on camera
In another shocking case of judicial corruption, Judge A D Acharya of the Court of Shihor in Bhavnagar District, Gujarat, was caught on camera engaging in a discussion about a monetary settlement to pass favorable orders for certain lawyers. This blatant violation of judicial ethics surfaced in August 2015, exposing how bribery influences court rulings and undermines the justice system.
Following the damning video evidence, the Gujarat High Court took immediate action, suspending Judge Acharya. He was subsequently booked under various sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, along with Sections 466 (forgery of court records), 471 (using forged documents as genuine), and 196 (using false evidence in judicial proceedings). This case shed light on how financial greed can erode the credibility of even lower court judges, reinforcing the necessity for strict vigilance and accountability mechanisms within Bharat’s judicial system.
Judge P D Inamdar suspended and jailed for corruption
Judge P D Inamdar, serving at the Jamkhambhaliya Court in Jamnagar district, Gujarat, became embroiled in a major corruption scandal that rocked the judiciary. On August 30, 2015, Inamdar was caught on camera discussing a monetary settlement to pass favorable orders, exposing the dark side of justice. The footage was part of a covert investigation initiated by Advocate Jagat Patel, who had installed spy cameras in Inamdar’s courtroom, as well as the courtroom of another judge, A D Acharya.
The cameras captured incriminating evidence over a span of three months, from February to April 2014, revealing the judge’s involvement in corrupt practices. As a result, Judge Inamdar was suspended and subsequently sent to judicial custody in the Navsari sub-jail by the Valsad district court.
Justice P D Dinakaran faces 16 charges, including abuse of Judicial office
Another shocking case of judicial corruption involved Justice P D Dinakaran, the former Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court. On January 12, 2014, he faced 16 serious charges, including corruption, land-grabbing, and abuse of judicial office. The allegations were so severe that they prompted impeachment proceedings in the Rajya Sabha, signaling a severe breach of public trust and judicial ethics.
The charges against Dinakaran revealed a pattern of abuse of power, where his position as Chief Justice was allegedly used for personal gain. The Supreme Court intervened, staying the pre-impeachment probe initiated by a Rajya Sabha-appointed panel into these allegations.
Justice Soumitra Sen resigns amid corruption charges
On September 1, 2011, Justice Soumitra Sen, a former judge of the Calcutta High Court, found himself embroiled in a corruption scandal that led to his resignation. He was accused of embezzling ₹32 lakh while serving as a court-appointed receiver in 1993. The allegations of financial misconduct prompted the Rajya Sabha to pass an impeachment motion against him, highlighting the gravity of the charges.
Faced with mounting pressure, Justice Sen chose to resign from his position as a judge of the Calcutta High Court rather than face further legal scrutiny.
Former High Court Judge Shamit Mukherjee arrested in corruption case
Former Delhi High Court Judge Shamit Mukherjee was arrested on May 1, 2003, after being accused of accepting illegal gratification to influence judicial decisions. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) charged Mukherjee under the Prevention of Corruption Act for allegedly accepting bribes to stay a lower court’s order and prevent the removal of encroachments on Aruna Asaf Ali Road.
Following the accusations, the CBI raided his residence, uncovering incriminating documents and locker keys that solidified the case against him.
The judiciary is meant to be the sanctum sanctorum of democracy—the last refuge for the aggrieved, the final sword against tyranny, and the guardian of Dharma (righteousness). In Bharat, where civilizational values are deeply rooted in justice and truth, a clean and fearless judiciary is not a privilege but a necessity. But what happens when the very custodians of law and justice become its betrayers? What remains of a nation when its judges—the Nyayadhish—act as merchants of verdicts? The answer is chilling: Anarchy cloaked in robes of justice.
The time for silence is over. Bharat needs a revolution within its judiciary—not just in laws, but in values. Judges must be made accountable, their wealth audited, their verdicts reviewed for fairness. We need a National Commission for Judicial Accountability, equipped with the power to investigate, arrest, and prosecute even the highest judges without delay.
This is not a battle between the State and the courts. This is a Dharma Yuddha—between truth and deceit, justice and manipulation, righteousness and rot. And in this battle, we, the people of Bharat, must choose to stand with Dharma.