Direct assault on judiciary: Delhi district judges condemn circulation of Rohini courtroom video

The Delhi Judicial Service Association (DJSA) on Sunday issued a statement condemning the recording and circulation of court proceedings involving a district judge.

In its letter, the DJSA expressed concern over the incident at Rohini Court, where Judge Rakesh Kumar-V was allegedly recorded without authorisation and the footage widely circulated online.

The Association termed the incident a serious threat to judicial independence and institutional dignity.

"The clandestine recording of judicial proceedings and making the same viral on social media platforms is not merely an act of gross impropriety, but a direct assault on the dignity, independence and majesty of the judicial institution. Such unlawful and reckless acts are calculated to scandalize the courts, undermine public confidence in the administration of justice and subject judicial officers to unwarranted intimidation, vilification and public pressure while discharging their solemn constitutional duties," said the letter.

The Association also raised concerns over the conduct of certain lawyers, alleging instances of intimidation and coercion directed at judicial officers. It warned that such behaviour undermines the rule of law and the ability of judges to function independently.

"The conduct of certain members of the Bar in openly threatening, intimidating and attempting to browbeat judicial officers in discharge of their lawful duties is deeply disturbing and completely unacceptable in a constitutional democracy governed by rule of law. No judicial officer can be expected to function fearlessly if such acts of coercion, pressure tactics and public vilification are normalized or tolerated," stated the letter.

The DJSA further criticised the continuing abstention from work by sections of the Bar, despite intervention by the Delhi High Court to restore normal functioning. It emphasised that such actions run contrary to settled legal principles and adversely affect litigants.

"The Association strongly deprecates the continuing boycott and abstention from judicial work by members of the Bar despite timely intervention by the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi to restore institutional discipline and normalcy...Such actions hold the litigant public hostage and paralyse the functioning of courts to the grave detriment of administration of justice."

Reiterating its solidarity with Judge Rakesh Kumar and the broader judicial fraternity, the DJSA underscored that the independence of the judiciary is “non-negotiable” and must be protected against any form of interference or pressure.

It also urged the High Court to direct the removal of the viral video clips from social media platforms and called upon all stakeholders to act responsibly to restore normalcy in court functioning.

The condemnation letter comes shortly after the Delhi High Court attached District Judge Rakesh Kumar-V to the Delhi Judicial Academy and relieved him of judicial work following the circulation of a video showing a heated exchange between him and a lawyer.

The move followed a call by the Coordination Committee of All District Court Bar Associations, Delhi to suspend judicial work and its demand for the judge’s transfer and an inquiry into his conduct.

[Read Letter]