Inquiry into Judge's Misconduct Ordered

• The Madras High Court ordered a high-level inquiry into Kancheepuram Principal District and Sessions Judge Pa U Chemmal regarding allegations of misusing his authority to remand a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) due to personal animosity.
• Justice N Sathish Kumar directed that the inquiry report be presented to the Vigilance Committee for disciplinary action and to the transfer committee for further steps, declaring that Judge Chemmal should not continue in his current position.
• The inquiry was triggered by an altercation in July between a Scheduled Caste individual and a bakery owner, who is related to the judge's former Personal Security Officer (PSO).
• Judge Chemmal allegedly manipulated police actions by pushing for an FIR against the PSO's family under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, and by issuing a suo motu externment order using Section 10 of the Act without proper legal grounds.
• Justice Kumar quashed the remand order by the judge, deeming it “completely unwarranted,” indicating that courts cannot enforce arrests or utilize suo motu powers without legitimate complaints or police reports.
• The judge allegedly pressured police and a Food Safety Officer to take action against the bakery owned by the PSO's family, indicative of wider misuse of authority.
• The inquiry substantiated claims against Judge Chemmal, supporting disciplinary actions for abuse of judicial power, highlighting that judicial discretion cannot be weaponized for personal vendettas.
• With the inquiry's findings, disciplinary steps are imminent against Judge Chemmal, potentially leading to his removal.

Key Points:

• High-level inquiry into a judge for abuse of authority.
• Misconduct involved contradictions of SC/ST Act, 1989.
• Justice Kumar's ruling highlighted the limits of judicial powers.
• Inquiry findings point to misuse of authority affecting multiple parties.