KAMINI LAU vs HIGH COURT OF DELHI — Crl.A. No. 165/2001

Case Summary: Crl.A. No. 000165/2001 The Supreme Court allowed a judicial officer's petition to expunge adverse remarks made by the High Court in its judgment quashing criminal proceedings. The High Court had criticized the Metropolitan Magistrate for allegedly misusing criminal laws to pressure Public Works Department officials into completing courtroom repairs, but made these observations without affording her an opportunity to explain herself. The Court held that such remarks were unnecessary for deciding the case and violated principles of natural justice. It emphasized that superior courts should avoid making derogatory observations against subordinate judges in judicial orders unless absolutely essential to the decision, recommending instead that concerns about judicial conduct be addressed through confidential administrative channels to the Chief Justice. This case analysis is maintained by casestatus.in based on publicly available court records.