Sikkim High Court suspends Mangan District Judge Prajwal Khatiwada pending disciplinary proceedings, after he complained to Supreme Court of being targeted for reporting HC judge misconduct.
Sikkim HC Suspends District Judge Amid Misconduct Allegations
The Sikkim High Court has suspended District and Sessions Judge Prajwal Khatiwada, based in Mangan, following his complaint to the Supreme Court alleging victimization for reporting misconduct against a sitting High Court judge. The suspension, effective immediately, was ordered on November 4 by a Full Court bench.
The Full Court stated it held a prima facie view that Khatiwada’s conduct warranted disciplinary inquiry, though it did not disclose specific allegations. The order places him under suspension pending conclusion of proceedings. The development raises concerns about judicial independence and protections for whistleblowers within the judiciary.
For legal professionals, this underscores the sensitivity of internal accountability mechanisms in the judiciary. It also highlights the limited availability of remedies under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968, particularly for lower judiciary officials reporting misconduct by superior judges. The case may prompt debate on institutional safeguards for judicial integrity.
