DHC Attaches Rohini Judge to Judicial Academy After Viral Courtroom Exchange
The Delhi High Court has attached Rohini District Judge Rakesh Kumar to the Delhi Judicial Academy after a courtroom exchange between the judge and a lawyer surfaced online and gained widespread attention on social media. The development has triggered discussions within Delhi’s legal community regarding judicial conduct, courtroom decorum, and relations between the Bar and the Bench.
Delhi High Court’s Administrative Action
On 17 May 2026, the Delhi High Court issued an administrative order relieving District Judge Rakesh Kumar of judicial duties and attaching him to the Delhi Judicial Academy in a diverted capacity.
Key developments include:
- The action followed the circulation of a viral courtroom video.
- The video allegedly showed a heated verbal exchange between the judge and an advocate.
- The High Court administration decided to withdraw judicial work from the judge.
- District Judge Dheeraj Mittal was appointed in place of Rakesh Kumar.
- Dheeraj Mittal was previously serving as Additional Director at the Delhi Judicial Academy.
According to the order issued by the Registrar General of the High Court, the decision was taken after consideration by the Chief Justice and other judges of the High Court.
What Happened in the Viral Courtroom Video
The controversy began after a video clip from the courtroom became viral on social media platforms.
According to reports:
- An advocate, reportedly associated with a Bar leadership position, accused the judge of using derogatory language.
- The advocate was heard objecting strongly to the judge’s alleged behavior.
- During the exchange, the lawyer allegedly told the judge not to misbehave.
- The judge, in response, allegedly stated that he should not be threatened.
The incident quickly attracted attention from lawyers’ associations and members of the legal fraternity across Delhi.
Demand for Judicial Work Suspension
The Coordination Committee of All District Court Bar Associations, Delhi reacted strongly to the incident.
After a meeting, the committee stated that the conduct of the judge was “highly objectionable and unbecoming” toward an advocate. The committee demanded:
- Immediate transfer of the judge from Rohini Courts
- Withdrawal of all judicial work assigned to him
- A formal inquiry into the incident and his conduct
The committee also discussed suspension of judicial work across Delhi District Courts on 18 May 2026 as a protest measure.
Impact on the Delhi Judicial System
The incident has once again highlighted concerns regarding:
- Courtroom discipline and professional ethics
- Relationship between judges and advocates
- Administrative powers of High Courts over subordinate judiciary
- Public scrutiny of judicial conduct through social media
Legal experts believe that such incidents can affect public confidence in the justice delivery system and emphasize the need for professionalism from both judges and advocates.
About the Delhi High Court
Delhi High Court is one of India’s leading constitutional courts and exercises jurisdiction over the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
Important Facts About Delhi High Court
- Established in 1966
- Located in New Delhi
- Exercises original, appellate, and writ jurisdiction
- Supervises district courts functioning in Delhi
- Has administrative authority over judicial officers in subordinate courts
The High Court plays a major role in maintaining judicial discipline, transparency, and institutional accountability.
About Delhi Judicial Academy
Delhi Judicial Academy is the training and educational institution for judicial officers in Delhi.
Main Functions of Delhi Judicial Academy
- Judicial training programs
- Continuing legal education
- Workshops on ethics and judicial conduct
- Capacity building for judges and court staff
- Research and academic development in the judicial field
The academy functions under the supervision of the Delhi High Court and aims to improve the quality and efficiency of the judicial system.
Conclusion
The transfer of Rohini District Judge Rakesh Kumar to the Delhi Judicial Academy reflects the Delhi High Court’s immediate administrative response to a controversy that gained public attention online. The matter has sparked wider debate about courtroom behavior, accountability, and the professional relationship between the judiciary and advocates in India’s legal system.
The official order of the Delhi High Court can be accessed here: