Guwahati, 18th August: In a significant move to uphold judicial integrity, the Gauhati High Court has suspended Santanu Kumar Sarma, the Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate (M) of Bilasipara. The suspension, effective immediately, was formalized through Notification No. HC.XV.07/2024/67/RV, issued on August 16, 2024. This step precedes the initiation of departmental proceedings against Sarma, though the details of the charges remain undisclosed.
According to the court’s directive, Sarma is restricted from leaving Bilasipara without prior approval from the Hon’ble Gauhati High Court. During the suspension, Bilasipara is designated as his headquarters. Sarma is also required to transfer his responsibilities to the Civil Judge (Junior Division)-cum-Judicial Magistrate First Class of Bilasipara, who will temporarily oversee his duties.
The suspension order, issued by Utpal Rajkhowa, Registrar (Vigilance) of the Gauhati High Court, has been communicated to key judicial and administrative authorities, including the District & Sessions Judge of Dhubri, the Chief Judicial Magistrate of Dhubri, and the Principal Secretary to the Chief Justice. This ensures proper adherence to the directive.
This suspension highlights the court’s commitment to maintaining judicial accountability and public trust in the legal system. The specific nature of the allegations against Sarma remains confidential as the departmental proceedings are set to unfold.