ACJM Recuses From Hearing IFS Officer Sanjiv Chaturvedi's Defamation Case Against CAT Member

In a letter addressed to the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Nainital, ACJM Kushwaha stated that though the case has been assigned to her, it would not be appropriate for her to hear the same as she shares familial ties with the Judicial member and that he visits her residence.

In her letter, ACJM Kushwaha has stated thus:

“आपको यह भी अवगत करना है कि माननीय न्यायिक सदस्य, श्री डी.एस. मेहरा, केन्द्रीय प्रशासनिक ट्रिब्यूनल, मुख्य पीठ, नई दिल्ली (नैनीताल सर्किट सीटिंग) के अधोहस्ताक्षरी से पारिवारिक सम्बन्ध है एवं उनका अधोहस्ताक्षरी के घर आना जाना है। ऐसी स्थिति में अधोहस्ताक्षरी द्वारा प्रस्तुत प्रकरण को सुना जाना न्यायोचित नहीं होगा”. [Translation: I further wish to inform your honour that Hon'ble Judicial Member Shri D.S. Mehra of the Central Administrative Tribunal, Principal Bench, New Delhi (Nainital Circuit Sitting) shares a familial relationship with the undersigned and also visits the undersigned's residence. In such circumstances, it would not be appropriate or judicious for the undersigned to hear the present matter.]

Accordingly, she requested that the defamation case be transferred to another court in light of the apparent conflict of interest.

For context, the case in question was filed by Chaturvedi in November 2023 against Tribunal Member (Judicial) Manish Garg for allegedly using foul language against the officer in open Court proceedings on October 16, 2023.