The Allahabad High Court has emphasized that individuals seeking appointment as district court employees must have impeccable character and high integrity, free from any criminal antecedents. This ruling underscores the court’s commitment to maintaining the integrity and prestige of the judiciary.
Case Background
The court’s decision came while hearing an appeal against the termination of a Group ‘D’ employee in the Etah District Court. The appellant had been selected for the position after successfully passing the required examination and had submitted an affidavit declaring no pending criminal cases against him. However, subsequent police verification revealed that he had been acquitted of charges under the Indian Penal Code but had not disclosed this information during his application process.
Court’s Ruling
The bench, comprising Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Prashant Kumar, upheld the termination, stating that any concealment of criminal history, even if the individual was acquitted, could not be tolerated. The court noted that the integrity of court records and the confidence of the public in the judicial system could be compromised if individuals with questionable backgrounds were appointed.
The court cited Rule 15 of the UP State District Court Service Rules, 2013, which mandates that no person shall be appointed unless the appointing authority is satisfied with their good character and suitability for the position. This rule also requires candidates to provide character certificates from two unrelated individuals, with the High Court having the final say in case of any doubts regarding a candidate’s suitability.
Implications
This ruling sets a precedent for strict adherence to character verification for judicial appointments, emphasizing that any form of deceit or concealment related to criminal antecedents can lead to termination. It serves as a reminder of the high standards expected of individuals serving in the judiciary and reinforces the importance of maintaining public trust in judicial institutions.
This decision by the Allahabad High Court highlights the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring that its employees uphold the highest standards of integrity and character, crucial for the proper functioning and reputation of the judicial system.