Supreme Court Quashes Disciplinary Action Against Rajasthan Judge Over Bail Order

The Supreme Court quashed disciplinary proceedings against retired Rajasthan judicial officer Mukesh Tyagi arising from his decision to grant bail in two cases.

Background and dispute

The officer had granted bail after the High Court rejected earlier applications. The High Court later cancelled the bail and initiated service proceedings. The Supreme Court considered whether the judicial error justified the disciplinary consequences imposed.

Legal issue and court’s approach

Justices B.V. Nagarathna, R. Mahadevan and Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya said counselling or a warning would have been sufficient in the peculiar circumstances. Their conclusion does not immunise all judicial misconduct from discipline.

Order and practical consequence

The State and High Court must recompute revised pay and release terminal benefits, including pension and arrears, within three months subject to other legal impediments.