MP Judge Harassment allegations: Female Judge fears bias in probe by panel

Additional District Judge in Gwalior who had allegedly resigned in order to save herself from continued sexual advances from a Madhya Pradesh High Court Judge now reportedly says that she would not co-operate with the panel set up to investigate the charges. The woman Judge asserts in her letter to the panel that "until the committee is reconstituted and her queries answered, she won't appear before the panel on Tuesday."

She contends that until the MP High Court Judge continues to assume his post, the witnesses would not be able to depose in a free and fair manner. She further alleges that one of the two members in the panel had once transferred her and that might lead to prejudice in the investigation.

Earlier this week, CJI Lodha had urged the formation of a panel comprising of senior Judges in order to investigate the allegations of sexual harassment. Read the Live Law story here.

In an appalling revelation, the female Judge has alleged being sexually harassed by her administrative Judge. She subsequently had to resign to guard her “dignity, womanhood and self-esteem”. Read the LiveLaw story here.

The HC Judge has however denied all allegations and has reportedly offered to face any probe by any agency including an investigating agency, ready to “face any penalty, even the death penalty”.

A few female lawyers have demanded an impeachment proceeding against the Judge. They have reportedly moved a resolution in the Supreme Court Bar Association demanding an enquiry into the matter.