Supreme Court

Supreme Court eliminates harsh censure of District Judge and imposes judicial restraint and procedural justice for denigration of lower judiciary

In Kaushal Singh Vs. State of Rajasthan, the Supreme Court invalidated defamatory comments of the Rajasthan High Court against a District Judge who had granted bail, holding that these strictures in the absence of hearing are against natural justice and judicial independence. The Court repeated that criticising subordinate judges should be dealt with administratively, not judicially. It reiterated the requirement of procedural fairness, judicial restraint and made it clear that guidelines for bail are advisory, not obligatory.