The Delhi High Court has upheld the termination of the services of a probationary additional district judge. In its February 7 order, the court held that the order to sack Aman Pratap Singh was based on grounds of non-suitability and not a “punitive or stigmatic” action stemming from a viral incident, referring to a purported video from 2024 in which Mr. Singh – while presiding over a hearing – could be seen shouting.
According to Mr. Singh’s plea against the termination order, the incident happened on September 6, 2024, when a litigant recorded court proceedings without permission. He claimed that the litigant’s conduct disrupted the proceedings and he raised his voice after the individual failed to stop recording.
After the video went viral, the then Chief Justice of Delhi took suo motu cognisance in September 2024, following which the order was issued.
‘Denied fair hearing’
Mr. Singh said his sacking was “punitive and stigmatic” and that he was not given a fair hearing. The court dismissed his contention, stating that his Annual Confidential Report for 2023 contained adverse remarks – including observations that he needed to improve his behaviour – and he had been reported to be “extremely rude” to advocates on occasions. Mr. Singh’s judgments and orders were graded “below average”, the court noted.
