New Delhi: Delhi High Court suspends District Judge Veena Rani after a vigilance inquiry ordered by Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya. The suspension was approved during a full court meeting and took immediate effect. During the suspension period, the judge has also been barred from leaving Delhi without prior permission from the competent authority.
Why Was District Judge Veena Rani Suspended
The Delhi High Court has suspended District Judge Veena Rani, who was serving as the Presiding Officer of the Commercial Court in the South-East District of New Delhi.
According to information available from the Delhi High Court’s resolution, the suspension followed a vigilance inquiry ordered by Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya. However, the court has not publicly disclosed the exact allegations or reasons behind the disciplinary action.
Full Court Approved the Decision
The decision was taken during a Full Court meeting held on July 10, 2026. The same meeting also approved the suspension of another district judge, Vinay Singhal, making it the second suspension of a judicial officer within a short period. The move reflects the High Court’s continued focus on maintaining accountability within the subordinate judiciary.
What Does the Official Resolution Say on Judge Veena Rani Case
The suspension order states that disciplinary proceedings against Veena Rani are being contemplated under the applicable service rules governing judicial officers. The resolution places her under immediate suspension while the inquiry process continues.
Judge Veena Rani Barred from Leaving Delhi
The Delhi High Court has also imposed restrictions during the suspension period. According to the official order:
- Veena Rani’s headquarters will remain the Office of the Principal District & Sessions Judge (Headquarters), Saket Courts, Delhi.
- She cannot leave Delhi without obtaining prior permission from the competent authority.
- These conditions will remain in force until further orders.
Second Judicial Suspension in Quick Succession
This is the second recent disciplinary action against a Delhi district judge. Earlier, District Judge Vinay Singhal was suspended after allegations related to the appointment of ineligible advocates as court auctioneers and passing judicial orders that allegedly enabled payments beyond the limits allowed under the rules.
Who is Judge Veena Rani
Ms. Veena Rani is a senior judicial officer belonging to the Delhi Higher Judicial Service (DHJS).
Career and Posting
- Judicial Service: She has served as a senior judge within the Delhi subordinate judiciary.
- Recent Assignment: Prior to recent developments, she was posted as a District Judge for the South-East District at the Saket Courts in New Delhi, where she actively presided over the Commercial Court.
Notable Developments
- Forum Shopping Inquiry: Her name initially drew higher judicial notice in a 2018-2019 Delhi High Court order where a division bench addressed allegations regarding “forum shopping” (litigants repeatedly filing applications to get intellectual property rights cases listed before specific trial judges).
- Vigilance Inquiry & Suspension: Following a formal vigilance inquiry ordered by Delhi High Court Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya, the Delhi High Court full court took strict disciplinary measures. On July 15, 2025, a formal resolution was issued by the Registrar General placing Judge Veena Rani under immediate suspension pending disciplinary proceedings. As part of the suspension directives, her headquarters were attached to the Saket Courts complex and she was restricted from leaving Delhi without prior administrative permission.
