Karnataka High Court Rebukes Judicial Officer for Ego-Driven Abuse of Power in Traffic Spat

Judicial Misconduct Alleged in Kolar District Road Dispute

The High Court of Karnataka issued a stinging rebuke to a sitting judge on Wednesday, freezing an active investigation against three family members who found themselves at the center of a legal storm following a traffic disagreement. Justice M. Nagaprasanna, while reviewing the case, characterized the incident as a blatant abuse of office by Gayathri, the Principal Civil Judge and JMFC of Malur.

The legal conflict originated in Malur, Kolar district, when 24-year-old Vinay K.M. overtook a private vehicle driven by the judicial officer’s husband. According to case materials, Vinay suggested the driver slow down, sparking a pursuit. The officer’s husband reportedly chased the two-wheeler until it stopped, leading to an altercation between the judge, her husband, and the petitioners—who included Vinay, his 48-year-old mother V. Kavitha, and his 70-year-old grandfather P. Venkatesh.

CCTV Footage Contradicts Official Action

While the judicial officer successfully pressured local police to register a First Information Report (FIR) and secure the arrests of Vinay and his grandfather, digital evidence tells a different story. The High Court reviewed CCTV footage of the squabble, which has since circulated on social media, showing the judge engaging in a public quarrel with the citizens.

Justice Nagaprasanna raised sharp questions about the necessity of custodial arrests in this context, asking: “It is surprising as to how in the offences alleged against these petitioners, they were taken into custody. Merely because the complainant was a judicial officer?” The court noted the petitioners were later granted bail, but the initial detention appeared disproportionate to the alleged offenses.

Implications for Judicial Accountability

The court's findings suggest that the judicial officer’s reaction to being overtaken on a public road was driven by ego rather than legal necessity. Justice Nagaprasanna stated that it is prima facie unbecoming of a judicial officer to descend from a vehicle to engage in a confrontation with common citizens. The court categorized the judge's retaliation as a classic example of workplace authority being weaponized against the public.

• Investigation into the petitioners is stayed pending further review.
• The registry is ordered to present these findings to the Chief Justice.
• A formal inquiry into the judicial officer's conduct has been initiated.

Source: The Hindu — News