Delhi Judicial Service Association Condemns 'Clandestine Recording' Of Proceedings, Seeks Deletion Of Viral Rohini Court Video

The Delhi Judicial Service Association (DJSA) has strongly condemned the alleged illegal recording and circulation of video clips from court proceedings involving a Rohini Court judge, calling it a direct assault on the dignity and independence of the judiciary.

The condemnation comes after a video showing a heated exchange between Shri Rakesh Kumar-V, District Judge-04, North-West District, Rohini Courts, and a lawyer went viral on social media, triggering controversy and protests by sections of the Bar.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the DJSA expressed “strongest condemnation and profound anguish” over the “shocking incident” involving the “illegal recording and deliberate circulation” of clips relating to proceedings conducted by the judicial officer.

“The clandestine recording of judicial proceedings and making the same viral on social media platforms is not merely an act of gross impropriety, but a direct assault on the dignity, independence and majesty of the judicial institution,” the association said.

It stated that such acts were aimed at scandalising courts, undermining public confidence in the administration of justice, and subjecting judicial officers to unwarranted intimidation, vilification and public pressure while discharging their constitutional duties.

The association also criticised the continuing abstention from judicial work by members of the Bar despite the intervention of the Delhi High Court. It said strikes and boycotts by lawyers were contrary to settled Supreme Court law and detrimental to the justice delivery system.

“Such actions hold the litigant public hostage and paralyse the functioning of courts to the grave detriment of administration of justice,” the statement said.

The DJSA further raised concern over alleged attempts by certain members of the Bar to threaten, intimidate and browbeat judicial officers in the discharge of their duties, calling such conduct “deeply disturbing” and incompatible with the rule of law.

Expressing solidarity with Judge Rakesh Kumar-V and other judicial officers, the association said judicial independence was “non-negotiable” and any attempt to erode the dignity of courts or intimidate judges would be firmly resisted within the framework of law.

The association has requested the Delhi High Court to pass necessary directions for deletion of the viral video clips from social media platforms and to ensure immediate restoration of normal judicial functioning in the larger interest of litigants and the justice delivery system.

Yesterday, the Delhi High Court transferred Judge Rakesh Kumar to the Judicial Academy.