Madras High Court Transfers Judge for Abusing Judicial Power to Pursue Personal Vendettas

Chennai:

In an exceptional disciplinary measure, the Madras High Court has mandated the transfer of Kancheepuram Principal District Judge PAU Chemmal after determining he seriously misused his judicial authority to resolve personal grievances. This decision was based on a comprehensive investigation report submitted by the Registrar (Vigilance).

The court discovered that Judge Chemmal had improperly ordered the detention of a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) allegedly for failing to apprehend his former personal security officer (PSO). The investigation concluded this action was motivated by personal animosity rather than legitimate judicial considerations.

Additional findings revealed Judge Chemmal inappropriately instructed a food safety officer to inspect a bakery belonging to his former PSO's father-in-law, which the court characterized as vindictive abuse of official authority.

According to the judicial review, the Registrar (Vigilance) documented numerous other instances of misconduct, including the judge's attempts to leverage his position for personal advantage, such as demanding special parking privileges for his private vehicle inside a residential complex contrary to established regulations.

Considering the gravity of these violations, Justice Kumar instructed the Registrar (Vigilance) to present the investigation report to the High Court's Vigilance Committee, comprised of senior judges, to initiate disciplinary proceedings against Judge Chemmal.

The court further determined it would be inappropriate for Judge Chemmal to maintain his current position while facing disciplinary action. Consequently, Justice Kumar directed the Registrar General to refer the matter to the Transfer Committee, resulting in Judge Chemmal's immediate reassignment from Kancheepuram.