Himachal Pradesh: Senior civil judge sacked on corruption charges, High Court recommended

Shimla
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has dismissed a senior civil judge after being convicted in a corruption case. A senior civil judge of Himachal Pradesh Judicial Service has been dismissed for the first time in such a case. The sentencing action by the High Court against the judicial officer found guilty in the investigation has set an example.

Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Gaurav Sharma was accused of corruption in Sundernagar of Mandi district. He was arrested in the year 2007 by a team of officials from the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau. Since then he was under suspension. Now the notification of his dismissal has been issued by the Home Department. Gaurav Sharma is a resident of Amritsar, Punjab.

check bounce case
During his stay as Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate in Sundernagar, a case of check bounce came in front of him. To settle the matter, the civil judge asked for a bribe of Rs 40,000 from the businessman. Businessmen were struggling to get their money after the check bounced. He complained about asking for a bribe. He was called to his chamber by the civil judge and demanded a bribe.

Vigilance department caught by laying a trap
The businessman filed a complaint in this matter with the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Department of the state. After this the Vigilance team laid a trap and arrested Sharma while he was taking money at his residence. A case was registered against him under sections 7 and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act. He was suspended after being caught.

Allegations proved in investigation
Rajneesh, Principal Secretary, Home Department, in a notification issued on November 25, said that the Himachal Pradesh High Court had proposed to conduct an inquiry against suspended Civil Judge-cum-ACJM Gaurav Sharma under Rule 14 of the Central Civil. The Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965 and was examined by the High Court. He said that all the charges against him were proved in the investigation.

High Court recommended action
The Principal Secretary of the Home Department said that after the allegations were proved, the High Court recommended the punishment for dismissal of the suspended civil judge from service. The Home Department notification also said that the Governor, considering the recommendations of the High Court and in exercise of the powers vested under clause (9) of Rule 11 of the CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965, ordered the dismissal. Gaurav Sharma has been removed from the Himachal Pradesh Judicial Service with immediate effect.