Twenty officers attached to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), including a High Court Judge, magistrates, and district judges, have been removed from their duties.
Among them, seven officers have had their services terminated, while the remaining officers have either been interdicted or directed to retire compulsorily.
The High Court Judge in question is currently facing an inquiry before Supreme Court Justice Janaka de Silva. The terminations and disciplinary actions were taken following inquiries conducted into public complaints filed against members of the judicial service.
Judicial officers found guilty of misconduct and nearing retirement age have been given the option to retire from service. Those accused of more serious offences, including corruption, have been served charge sheets and subjected to formal inquiries. If found guilty following these proceedings, they are removed by the JSC, which is chaired by Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena.
At present, ten vacancies exist within the High Court, while around sixty vacancies have arisen in the Magistrate and District Courts.
It has been decided that officers found guilty of wrongdoing will no longer remain in the judicial service. Some officers who were summoned for inquiries failed to appear before the relevant committees and have exited the service without facing the proceedings.
It has also been revealed that one magistrate issued a ruling in favour of her husband, while allegations have surfaced regarding partiality shown by certain officers towards specific lawyers.
Meanwhile, it has been emphasized that judicial officers who demonstrate competence will be promoted, regardless of their seniority.
