⚖️ A Landmark Case of Judicial Accountability: How Chief Justice Konda M. Reddy Demoted a P.D.J. for His Misconduct (1984)
In 1984, the Bombay High Court witnessed a rare act of judicial discipline when Chief Justice Konda M. Reddy took stern action against Principal District Judge (PDJ) D. R. Nandapurkar of Raigad–Alibaug. The PDJ had filed a false and misleading report against an honest subordinate judge, Shri W. S. Rane, then Joint Civil Judge, Junior Division & JMFC, Panvel.
Background
A clerk named Shri Palnitkar, known for his dubious conduct, was transferred from Alibaug to Panvel Court by PDJ Shri Halbe on 31 May 1982, with a written instruction not to assign him important work.
On 8 June 1982, Shri W. S. Rane was transferred from Kalyan to Panvel and took charge as Joint Civil Judge, J.D. & JMFC. The said clerk who was posted at Panvel Court by the earlier PDJ’s order though which was known to Civil Judge, Panvel Shri. Bansod (Administrative Incharge) who posted said dubious clerk Palnitkar as a Bench Clerk in the Court of Joint Civil Judge, J.D. Shri. W. S. Rane willfully disobeying the order of earlier PDJ Halbe’s Order dated 31.5.1982.
Misconduct and False Report
When PDJ D. R. Nandapurkar later inspected the court, he wrongly assumed that Shri Rane had irregularly posted Palnitkar as his Bench Clerk despite the order of the earlier PDJ Shri. Halbe’s order of not to give important work to said clerk. Without verifying records, PDJ Nandapurkar submitted a false report to the High Court and ordered Shri Rane’s transfer from Panvel to Ghodegaon (Pune).
Intervention by Chief Justice
Shri Rane protested to Chief Justice Konda M. Reddy, producing evidence that the clerk’s posting predated his own transfer. Upon inquiry, the Chief Justice found that PDJ Nandapurkar had misrepresented facts. As a result, the Chief Justice:
- Cancelled Shri Rane’s transfer,
- Expunged the false report, and
- Demoted PDJ Nandapurkar to Joint District Judge, Nashik, removing his administrative powers.
Significance
This was a clear demotion, exercised under Article 235 of the Constitution, which grants the High Court full control over the subordinate judiciary. Chief Justice Reddy’s independent and fearless action safeguarded judicial integrity and upheld the dignity of an honest officer.
Message for Today
Such decisive action is rarely seen today. Despite numerous complaints about maladministration and arbitrary behaviour by Principal District Judges, effective corrective steps are seldom taken. The 1984 case should inspire current judicial leadership to act firmly against misconduct within the system.
Justice thrives only when integrity is protected at every level of the judiciary.
Issued for Public Interest to help the Public to Clean the tainted Judicial Officers from Holy Judiciary System by Ad. Anil Bugde, Advocate High Court, Bombay.
