HC suspends judge on corruption complaints

AHMEDABAD: Gujarat High Court has suspended a judge in Surat, who was found in possession of disproportionate property beyond his known source of income. Judicial magistrate first class (JMFC) AN Vinjhola's suspension came after the Gujarat High Court's vigilance department began probing complaints of corruption against him. High court's registrar general, PP Bhatt said that the inquiry against the civil judge was going on and the suspension was order following this. Vinjhola was recruited as JMFC in August, 2000 and was serving in Surat since 2006. His case came to notice of high court's vigilance department because of his lavish life style and quick prosperity, said sources. According to sources in the vigilance department, Vinjhola owned a Maruti 800 when he joined the judicial service but within two years he purchased a luxurious car. He, in fact, kept purchasing new luxurious cars every year or so. Moreover, all these movable property he was found in possession of was not on his name. He was also found using four mobile phones and three handsets were not registered in his name. The high court has also alleged that he had made certain transactions without intimating higher authority, which is mandatory in this service. "Vinjhola had not sought the high court's consent before doing so," said registrar of vigilance, BU Joshi.
17 May 2008, 0621 hrs IST , TNN

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