HC Rejects Contemnor’s Attempt To Recuse Judge, Says Allegations An ‘Afterthought’
Allegations Against Judge Linked to Credit Cooperative Society
The contemnor, who operates a credit cooperative society, has raised concerns regarding a judge who has been a member of the society since 2003. The judge has previously secured loans from the society, including a two-wheeler loan and a ₹9 lakh housing loan, both of which have been repaid.
Following a dispute during the settlement of accounts, the contemnor claims that the relationship with the judge has soured. In response to these allegations, the bench has requested the contemnor to provide documentary evidence and sworn statements. This includes details of cases where the judge represented the society, documentation confirming the closure of the loan accounts, and an affidavit outlining the nature and timing of the alleged dispute.
A division bench was hearing a contempt petition arising from a 2019 case filed by Pranali Ravindra Puttewar against Union of India and others.
Nagpur: The Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court on Monday refused to accept an application seeking the recusal of one of its judges from a contempt case, observing that the allegations levelled against him appeared to be an “afterthought” aimed at avoiding the bench. The issue arose after the contemnor submitted an application to Chief Justice of Bombay High Court and the administrative judge of Nagpur bench seeking the judge’s recusal. The administrative judge closed the application, but a copy was placed on the court record. The contemnor, who was present in court, tendered a physical copy of the application, which the bench marked for identification. When asked whether he stood by the allegations, the contemnor answered in the affirmative. He also alleged that the judge had ordered a CBI investigation into the affairs of the society, an order that was later challenged before Supreme Court , which modified it and constituted a Special Investigation Team .