In Brief
A judicial officer challenged disciplinary action based on two charges: granting bail despite earlier High Court rejections, and closing evidence in an NDPS case when the prosecutor could not produce witnesses. The Supreme Court held that wrong judicial orders do not automatically warrant disciplinary action. High Courts must protect subordinate judges and initiate discipline only for clear misconduct, corruption, or extraneous influences—not mere error. Negligence in overlooking an earlier order and closing evidence after multiple adjournments, absent evidence of bad faith, do not constitute misconduct. The Court allowed the appeal, set aside the disciplinary findings, and ordered restoration of all consequential benefits.
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.