The High Court of Karnataka has found nothing illegal in compulsorily retiring a civil judge in 2012 for interfering in a criminal case on behalf of a woman and threatening a police officer in Bengaluru.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C.M. Joshi passed the order on August 19 dismissing an appeal filed by K.M. Gangadhar, challenging the February 25, 2025, verdict of a single judge, who had dismissed his petition challenging the October 1, 2012, order of compulsorily retiring him from service after holding an inquiry.
Background
When Mr. Gangadhar was functioning as a civil judge (senior division) and XIII Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Bengaluru City, a complaint was received from one Indumathi, alleging that he was interfering in the investigations being conducted by the police in respect of a complaint lodged by her against one Anasuya.
It was alleged that the appellant had threatened the police officials of dire consequences if they called Ms. Anasuya to the police station.
On an inquiry conducted through the Registrar (Vigilance) of the High Court, it was found that Mr. Gangadhar had threatened the police inspector H.T. Jayaramaiah, who was then serving in Nandini Layout police station.
The bench noted that it was also proved in the inquiry that Mr. Gangadhar had abused the police officials over phone and had threatened them over a phone call that lasted for about 10 to 15 minutes on August 20, 2007.
“We find no infirmity with either the procedure adopted nor find that the punishment imposed is highly disproportionate,” the bench observed in its order.
Published – August 22, 2025 10:58 pm IST
