In Brief
A District and Sessions Judge appealed against adverse observations made by the Rajasthan High Court while granting bail in another case. The High Court had criticised the judge for not following prescribed directions on format of bail orders and referred the matter to the Chief Justice. The Supreme Court held that the High Court's format directions were suggestions, not binding mandates. Non-compliance did not constitute contempt or indiscipline. The Court ruled that personal adverse observations against judicial officers on the judicial side are improper and violate natural justice; such matters belong to the administrative side. All adverse remarks were expunged, and the referral to the Chief Justice was set aside. The appeal was allowed.
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