In a recent judgment, the Allahabad High Court found Devendra Kumar Dixit guilty of criminal contempt for making unfounded corruption allegations against High Court judges. The Division Bench, comprising Justice Vivek Chaudhary and Justice Brij Raj Singh, imposed a fine of ₹2,000 on Dixit, emphasizing the seriousness of his baseless claims.
The case originated in April 2016 when Dixit submitted a complaint alleging that certain High Court judges had colluded with corrupt officials and a Senior Advocate to dismiss his writ petition in exchange for monetary gains. He claimed that his petition was dismissed with costs on the first day of the hearing as part of this purported arrangement. The then Acting Chief Justice took cognizance of these allegations in June 2016 and referred the matter for appropriate proceedings.
Subsequently, a contempt notice was issued to Dixit, who sought time to file a reply and later raised a preliminary objection to the contempt proceedings. This objection was overruled in October 2022. Dixit submitted his reply in December 2024, leading the Court to frame charges against him in January 2025.
During the proceedings, Dixit requested a cover letter from Rashtrapati Bhawan to support his case, asserting that he could not proceed without it. The Court, however, noted that his allegations lacked any evidentiary support and deemed the request for the Rashtrapati Bhawan letter unjustified. The Bench observed that the contents of Dixit's complaint, which he admitted to, amounted to criminal contempt by scandalizing the Court and interfering with the administration of justice.
In its judgment, the Court highlighted that making frivolous and baseless allegations against judges without any foundation or evidence serves to scandalize and lower the authority of the Court, as defined under Section 2(c) of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971. The Bench emphasized that such conduct obstructs the administration of justice and cannot be taken lightly.
Considering Dixit's advanced age and the fact that this was his first offense, the Court imposed a nominal fine of ₹2,000, to be deposited with the Senior Registrar of the High Court, Lucknow, within one month. The Court further stipulated that failure to comply with this order would result in simple imprisonment for one week.
This judgment underscores the judiciary's intolerance towards attempts to undermine its integrity through unfounded allegations. It serves as a stern reminder that individuals must exercise caution and responsibility when levying accusations against judicial officers, ensuring that such claims are substantiated by credible evidence. The Court's decision aims to preserve public confidence in the judicial system by addressing and penalizing actions that seek to erode its authority.
The case also reflects the judiciary's commitment to maintaining its dignity and the sanctity of its proceedings. By addressing contemptuous actions decisively, the Court reinforces the principle that the legal system cannot be misused to settle personal grievances or to malign the reputation of judicial officers without substantial proof.
In conclusion, the Allahabad High Court's ruling in this matter reaffirms the importance of upholding the integrity of the judiciary. It sends a clear message that baseless allegations against judges will not be tolerated and will be met with appropriate legal consequences. This approach not only protects the reputation of individual judges but also ensures the continued trust of the public in the judicial system as a whole.
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