Punjab, Haryana HC suspends former CBI court special judge

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has suspended with immediate effect judicial officer Rajeev Goyal, the former Panchkula CBI court special judge.

At the time of the suspension, he was posted as the additional district and sessions judge, Kaithal.

The suspension order did not specify any reason, though it indicates that it pertains to the period when Goyal was posted as special judge in the CBI Court.

The May 29 order, issued by the court’s registrar general, states: “Hon’ble Chief Justice and judges, in exercise of powers under Article 235 of the Constitution of India read with Rule 4 (b) of the Haryana Civil Services (Punishment and Appeal), Rules, 2016...to place Sh. Rajeev Goyal, the then special judge, CBI Court, Panchkula (now posted as additional district and sessions judge, Kaithal) under suspension with immediate effect in contemplation of initiation of disciplinary proceedings against the officer.

“During the period of suspension, the headquarters of Sh. Rajeev Goyal will be at Kaithal. He will not leave the headquarters during this period without the prior permission of the district and sessions Judge, Kaithal...,” reads the order.

Goyal was transferred to Kaithal as the additional district and sessions judge over a month back.

Notably, the CBI Special Court in Panchkula, Haryana, has jurisdiction to hear all CBI cases registered across the state.