Delhi HC suspends judge for pressuring woman lawyer to drop rape case
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has suspended a district judge and recommended disciplinary action against another after a woman lawyer alleged that they coerced her to withdraw rape allegations against a Delhi-based advocate.
According to records accessed by Hindustan Times, district judge Sanjeev Kumar Singh has been suspended while proceedings have been initiated against another judge, Anil Kumar. The decision followed a complaint supported by audio recordings, which reportedly showed both judges pressuring the complainant to retract her charges.
The 27-year-old complainant, a practicing advocate, claimed Singh and Kumar acted at the behest of the accused lawyer. She stated that both judges repeatedly called her, urging her not to pursue the case.
She further alleged that Singh offered her a monetary settlement, claiming he had already received ₹30 lakh from the accused’s lawyer, a sum that would be given to her if she agreed to compromise. When she refused, Singh allegedly threatened to frame her brother in a fabricated drugs case.
The woman also submitted that she faced “an extremely serious and disturbing incident of judicial misconduct and abuse of power.”
The complaint included call logs, screenshots of conversations, and three audio recordings. Following a vigilance inquiry ordered after a full court meeting on August 28, Singh and Kumar were summoned before the High Court’s vigilance committee but failed to provide a satisfactory explanation.
The vigilance committee, comprising Justices Subramonium Prasad, Rajnish Bhatnagar, Amit Bansal, Amit Sharma, and Manoj Jain, recommended Singh’s suspension and disciplinary proceedings against both judges.
On August 29, the High Court barred Singh from leaving the national capital without prior permission.
The case has once again drawn attention to judicial accountability and allegations of corruption within the judiciary. While the High Court has taken immediate action, the disciplinary process against Singh and Kumar remains ongoing.
The complainant had also previously alleged pressure in another case in January 2025, where the accused’s lawyer sought to appoint her as a law researcher to influence proceedings.
Neither Singh nor Kumar has commented publicly on the allegations so far.
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Seers like Shivakumara Swami shape soul of society, nation: President Murmu
Tumakuru (Karnataka) (PTI): President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday said seers like Shivakumara Swami give shape to the soul of society and the nation, and their spiritual legacy continues to nourish the country even after their physical departure.
Known as 'Trivida dasohi' for his triple sacraments -- food, shelter and education -- among his followers, Shivakumara Swami was the pontiff of the renowned Siddaganga Math. He passed away at the age of 111 on January 21, 2019.
The President emphasised that diligence, public service, and national service are interlinked, and that spirituality provides a strong and enduring foundation for both public and national service.
Addressing the 119th birth anniversary and Guruvandana of the seer at Sree Siddaganga Math here, the President said, "I believe that seers like Shri Shivakumara Swamiji give shape to the soul of our society and our nation. His physical body merged into the supreme element in the year 2019, but his legacy continues to nourish society and the country."
Murmu said that the seer's life dedicated to the service of the poor and the deprived remained a unique example of expressing spirituality through welfare activities.
"He continued to enrich humanity for many years through his spiritual activity. His life dedicated to the service of the poor and the deprived, and expressing spirituality through welfare activities, is a unique example," she said.
Praising the activities of the Math, the President said, "It is said that through this Math, arrangements for free food, accommodation, and education are made for a large number of rural children, which is highly commendable."
Emphasising that education is the key to development, she said that providing education to deprived and poor children means building the future of the country and advancing the nation's development.
"I am especially pleased to know that from primary school to higher education in engineering and management, arrangements for education have been made by the Math. For this purpose, many educational institutions have been established," she said.
She also highlighted the healthcare initiatives associated with the institution. "I have also been told that the Sri Siddaganga Hospital, established by Shri Shivakumara Swamiji, provides excellent healthcare services to the general public," the President said and added that the Math carried forward a long tradition of service and spirituality.
Referring to the ideals of 12th century social reformer Basavanna, she said, "It is a matter of great happiness that today your spiritual institution is following the ideals of Prabhu Basavanna". She said that the example of a democratic system, based on a society free of discrimination and the participation of all, was presented centuries ago by Basavanna.
Lauding Karnataka, the President said that the state presented one of the most effective examples of public service, national service, spirituality and modern progress, and congratulated the people of the state for their contribution to nation-building.
Murmu said that by walking on the path of nation-building, altruism and dedication to duty, people could truly pay tribute to Shivakumara Swami.
"On this occasion associated with his sacred memory, we will all take a pledge that we will always remain active in enhancing the glory of Karnataka Mata and Bharat Mata," she said.
On the occasion of his Jayanti, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to Shivakumara Swami, recalling his remarkable contributions across education, social welfare and spirituality, which have left an enduring imprint on society.
"He (Swamiji) stands in collective memory as an embodiment of compassion, humility and unwavering service to humanity. Through a lifetime dedicated to uplifting others, he demonstrated that true greatness lies in serving others," PM Modi said in a post on 'X'.
The prime minister recalled that even today, Swami's life continues to guide and inspire countless individuals to walk the path of selflessness and service.
