The Bombay High Court has recently taken decisive action against two lower court judges, dismissing them from their positions due to serious misconduct. This move underscores the High Court's commitment to maintaining the integrity and dignity of the judiciary.

One of the dismissed judges, Dhananjay Nikam, faced allegations of demanding a bribe of ₹5 lakh. The details of the case suggest a grave breach of ethical conduct expected of a judicial officer. Such actions not only undermine public trust in the judicial system but also tarnish the reputation of the entire institution.

The other judge, Irfan Shaikh, was also dismissed for serious misconduct. While the specific details of Shaikh's misconduct were not available in the provided search results, the High Court's decision to dismiss him indicates the severity of the transgression.

These dismissals highlight the importance of accountability within the judiciary. Judges are expected to adhere to the highest standards of ethical behavior and professional conduct. Any deviation from these standards can have serious consequences, including removal from service.

In a similar case, the Bombay High Court in April 2024 upheld the removal of a civil judge, Aniruddha Ganesh Pathak, who was found guilty of misconduct, including unilaterally adjourning cases, failing to adhere to court timings, and arriving at the court under the influence of alcohol. The High Court emphasized that judges and judicial officers must act with dignity and avoid any behavior that could negatively impact the judiciary's image. The court further stated that if members of the judiciary engage in blameworthy behavior or conduct unbecoming of a judicial officer, writ courts should not intervene to grant relief.

In another instance, the Bombay High Court upheld the dismissal of a former judge from the Ratnagiri district judiciary who was accused of accepting a bribe of ₹40,000 out of an alleged ₹2 lakh bribe demand through a peon. The judge was accused of seeking the bribe to acquit a man accused under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO). The High Court emphasized that punishment must be proportionate to maintain the dignity of the judiciary and instill faith in litigants. The court reiterated that disciplinary proceedings do not adhere to the standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt, but instead rely on the preponderance of probabilities.

These cases demonstrate the Bombay High Court's firm stance against judicial misconduct. The High Court has consistently emphasized that the judiciary must maintain impeccable integrity, and judges must be held to the highest standards of behavior. The dismissal of judges for serious misconduct sends a strong message that such behavior will not be tolerated, and that the integrity of the judicial system will be protected at all costs.