Indian Judiciary Rocked by Bribery Scandal: Judge Absconds as High Court Cracks Down
Mumbai, India – November 24, 2025 – A major crisis is unfolding within the Indian judicial system as a Mumbai Sessions Judge, Qazi, has been accused of accepting a ₹15 lakh bribe and is now reportedly absconding. This breaking news comes amidst a broader crackdown on judicial corruption, with the Bombay High Court recently dismissing two other Sessions Judges for serious misconduct. The allegations are sparking widespread concern about the integrity of the justice system and prompting calls for urgent reform.
ACB Investigation and the Judge’s Disappearance
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has filed a criminal case against Judge Qazi, alleging he sought a bribe in exchange for a favorable ruling in a pending case. His clerk was arrested red-handed while accepting the bribe on the judge’s behalf. Sources indicate Judge Qazi fled immediately after the arrest, and authorities are actively searching for him. This incident is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within the system and the lengths to which corruption can reach.
High Court’s Zero Tolerance Policy & Landmark Precedents
The recent actions by the Bombay High Court signal a determined effort to root out corruption. The dismissal of two other Sessions Judges on charges of corruption, grave misconduct, and abuse of judicial process underscores this commitment. This isn’t simply a reaction to recent events; the High Court has consistently taken a firm stance against judicial impropriety.
Legal experts point to several landmark judgments that reinforce the High Court’s position. The 1998 Rama Reddy v. State case established a critical precedent: any conspiracy to grant bail improperly – involving judges, prosecutors, or defense counsel – must be investigated as a criminal offense. More recently, the 2025 Roop Singh Parihar v. State case highlighted the High Court’s willingness to take harsh action against judges who illegally grant bail in serious crimes, like those punishable by life imprisonment under Section 409 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
The Illegality of ‘No Arrest’ Orders & Sessions Court Powers
A central element of the current scandal revolves around the alleged actions of District Judge-19 and Additional Sessions Judge, Incharge, Nagpur, Jaywant C. Yadav. A complaint filed by human rights activist Rashid Khan Pathan alleges Yadav issued “No Coercive Steps” and “No Arrest” orders on the very first day a bail petition was filed, without consulting the Government Pleader or the Police. This is a direct violation of established legal procedure.
According to legal experts and rulings from both the Supreme Court and the Bombay High Court, Sessions Courts lack the authority to issue such orders. They can only order the release on bail in the event of delays. Any attempt to prevent arrest or investigation is considered a misuse of judicial power. The complaint alleges Yadav’s actions effectively shielded a government official accused of a serious offense – betrayal of trust by a public servant under Section 409 IPC – from any scrutiny.
Supreme Court Reinforces Accountability
The Supreme Court has repeatedly emphasized the importance of judicial accountability. In cases like R. Parekh v. High Court of Gujarat (2016) and Noida Entrepreneurs Association v. NOIDA (2011), the Court has stated that orders passed without reason, in haste, or exceeding authority are strong evidence of corrupt intent. Crucially, the Court has indicated that such orders alone can be sufficient grounds for disciplinary action, even without additional proof.
Growing Concerns and Calls for Reform
Bar associations across Maharashtra and other states have voiced strong support for the complaint against Judge Yadav, expressing deep concern about the erosion of public trust in the judiciary. They argue that corrupt judges embolden criminals and undermine the rule of law, creating a climate of insecurity and “social pollution.” The demand for strict action – including FIR registration, CID investigation, criminal contempt proceedings, and immediate suspension – is growing louder.
This series of events – the bribery allegations, the judge’s disappearance, the dismissals of other judges – represents a critical juncture for the Indian judicial system. The need for robust mechanisms to check judicial power, ensure transparency, and swiftly address corruption has never been more urgent. The future of justice in India may well depend on the response to this unfolding crisis.
Stay tuned to Archyde for continuing coverage of this developing story and in-depth analysis of the implications for the Indian legal landscape.
