Complaints Against Judicial Officers Must Accompany Sworn Affidavit & Verifiable Materials: Andhra Pradesh HC Issues Additional Guidelines [Read Notification]

Any complaint against the Judicial Officers of Subordinate Judiciary in Andhra Pradesh must be accompanied by a sworn affidavit and/or verifiable material

The Andhra Pradesh High court has framed additional guidelines regarding "Pre-Requirements for filing complaints against Judicial Officers of Subordinate Judiciary in the State of Andhra Pradesh". The following guidelines are in addition to the guidelines already in place which was issued by Chief Justice of India issued certain guidelines.

(i) The complaint making allegations against members of the Subordinate Judiciary in the State should not be entertained and no action should be taken thereon, unless it is accompanied by a duly sworn affidavit and/or verifiable material to substantiate the allegations made therein.

(ii) If the complaint is received without name and signature, sworn affidavit or verifiable material, the complaint may be lodged without taking any steps thereon. However, Hon'ble The Chief Justice may direct discreet enquiry or preliminary enquiry in respect of any complaint, if the same is found expedient in the interest of the Institution.

(iii) After enquiry, if the complaint is found to be vexatious and on failure to prove the allegations, the complainant may be ordered to pay costs.

Justice TS Thakur, while he was CJI, had directed all the high courts not to take any action on complaints against judicial officers in subordinate judiciary unless it is accompanied by a sworn affidavit or verifiable material to substantiate the allegations. Many High Courts have framed such guidelines. For instance, Kerala High Court has similar guidelines in place.

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