In Brief
A Judicial Magistrate was dismissed from service after being found to have decided cases in favour of clients of a lady lawyer with whom he had a proximate relationship, rather than on legal merit. The Supreme Court upheld the dismissal, holding that 'gratification' under civil service rules extends beyond monetary benefits to include non-monetary benefits arising from personal relationships. The Court emphasised that judicial integrity is fundamental; judges must decide cases solely on facts and law, and deviation from this standard—especially where personal relationships influence judicial orders—warrants the harshest penalty. No leniency was warranted.
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