Overview

• A Division Bench led by Chief Justice Suresh Kumar Kait and Justice Vivek Jain dismissed Kaustubh Khera’s petition challenging his September 2024 removal.
• The May 7 judgment held that Khera’s termination was a discharge simpliciter based on his failure to complete probation satisfactorily.
• Complaints included allegations that Khera forced lawyers and police officers to perform sit-ups or touch their ears as apologies and improperly fined and jailed a court peon.
• Khera contested that his actions were intended to improve court discipline and claimed he initiated contempt proceedings only to refer them to the High Court.
• The ruling underscores the High Court’s authority to oversee judicial officers’ conduct and confirm suitability during probation.