Mumbai’s Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has revealed that an additional sessions judge, implicated in a ₹15 lakh bribery case, allegedly played an active role in the crime and maintained close ties with the arrested clerk involved. The case, which has sparked concerns over judicial integrity, centers on a land dispute in which the judge reportedly sought a bribe through his subordinate.

The Accused
The judge in question, Aejazuddin Salauddin Kazi, serves as an additional sessions judge at the civil court in Mazgaon. Kazi has been named a wanted accused after evidence emerged that he actively instructed the clerk to demand a bribe. The clerk, Chandrakant Vasudeo, a civil court clerk-cum-typist, was arrested last week for allegedly collecting ₹15 lakh from the complainant in exchange for a favorable verdict.

Details of the Alleged Bribery
According to ACB investigations:

• Vasudeo collected the money on behalf of Judge Kazi, indicating the judge’s direct involvement.
• Kazi allegedly instructed Vasudeo to demand ₹15 lakh from the complainant to secure a favorable order in the land dispute case.
• Vasudeo approached the complainant’s colleague in the court washroom, requesting that he “do something for Saheb” to influence the verdict.
• The clerk later met the complainant at a café, demanding ₹10 lakh for himself and ₹15 lakh for Kazi. When the complainant refused, Vasudeo allegedly pressured him via WhatsApp, warning that the court order would be unfavorable if the money was not paid.

Role of the Judge
The investigation indicates that Judge Kazi actively consented to the bribery scheme:

• On ACB directions, Vasudeo spoke to Kazi via phone in the presence of witnesses.
• Kazi reportedly approved the bribe amount and instructed the clerk to bring the money to his residence.
• Police describe Kazi’s role as “active” and emphasized that he must be formally investigated to determine the full extent of his involvement.

Investigation Process

• Following Vasudeo’s arrest, an ACB team visited Kazi’s residence on November 12, but found the house locked.
• A house sealing panchnama was conducted in the presence of another judge and two witnesses.
• The ACB is currently in the process of obtaining permission from the Bombay High Court’s Chief Justice to interrogate the judge.

Relationship Between the Judge and Clerk
Investigators noted that Kazi and Vasudeo share a cordial and close relationship:

• Vasudeo has been working at the Mazgaon civil city and sessions court for the past year, under Kazi’s posting.
• The judge had allegedly assisted Vasudeo with personal and family matters.
• Frequent communication between them occurred over WhatsApp, further raising questions about their professional conduct.

Next Steps

• Vasudeo has been remanded to judicial custody, and his bail hearing is scheduled for November 19.
• The investigation into Judge Kazi’s involvement will proceed once formal sanction from the High Court is obtained.
• The ACB is emphasizing the need to probe the judge thoroughly, given his alleged central role in orchestrating the bribery.

Significance of the Case
This case highlights potential systemic vulnerabilities in the judiciary, particularly in lower courts, where clerks and judges may exert undue influence over pending cases. The ACB’s swift action in arresting the clerk and pursuing the investigation against the judge underscores the authorities’ commitment to upholding judicial integrity.

Summary

• Judge: Aejazuddin Salauddin Kazi, additional sessions judge, Mazgaon civil court.
• Clerk: Chandrakant Vasudeo, arrested for demanding ₹15 lakh.
• Allegation: Judge actively directed clerk to solicit bribe; close personal and professional ties existed.
• Investigation: Ongoing; High Court permission being sought to interrogate judge.
• Next Step: Judicial probe into Kazi’s role; Vasudeo’s bail hearing on November 19.

This case serves as a cautionary example of corruption risks within the judiciary and has drawn public attention to the need for stricter monitoring and transparency in judicial administration.