‘Unacceptable’: Jalandhar civil judge files complaint against official at DC’s office for misconduct

Calling Verma’s behaviour “unacceptable and unbecoming of a government servant”, Judge Azad has urged Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Aggarwal to take the matter seriously to prevent such incidents in the future.

Aggarwal told The Indian Express that he has issued a show-cause notice to Verma seeking an explanation, and further action would be taken based on his reply.

According to Judge Azad’s complaint dated June 3, the alleged incident occurred at the ADR Centre in the Judicial Courts Complex, around 3 pm on the same day. Verma, accompanied by two other officials, allegedly approached the accounts clerk at the ADR Centre, demanding the return of certain case files pertaining to compensation in hit-and-run cases. “These files had been sent to the DC Office earlier via Letter No. 3820 dated July 22, 2024, and were followed up with a clarification through Letter No. 6473 dated November 20, 2024,” the complaint stated.

The complaint alleged that when informed that the matter was already being processed and clarification had been issued, Verma reportedly entered the chamber of Judge Azad without proper protocol, displayed rude behaviour, and attempted to assert pressure for immediate compliance. He allegedly demanded either acceptance of the files or a written reason for refusal on the spot, the complaint said.

Judge Azad further stated that Verma exhibited a threatening demeanour, remained seated in his office despite being asked to leave, and even instructed a junior female official to document a complaint against the DLSA to the government—actions the judge described as being “completely out of line” for a senior assistant-level official.

Verma is also alleged to have used disrespectful language, claiming that the DLSA holds no authority over him and that he is not obligated to adhere to its directives.