In Brief
A judicial officer was charged with misconduct for granting bail despite earlier High Court rejections and for hastily closing evidence in a drug case, leading to acquittal. The Supreme Court held that disciplinary action cannot be taken merely because a judge passes a wrong order. Unless there is clear evidence of corruption, reckless misconduct, or extraneous influence, wrong orders do not warrant disciplinary proceedings. The Court noted that judges operate under conflicting pressures and must be protected as guardians of judicial independence. Proper remedies for wrong orders—without extraneous motive—are administrative recording and consideration for career progression, not disciplinary action. The appeal was allowed and all orders against the officer were quashed.
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