NASHIK, NOV 1: In a dramatic event, the additional sessions judge of Malegaon court, Mahadeo S Ganachari, was served retirement orders by the district and sessions judge D S Zoting on Saturday.Ganachari was hearing a murder case around 2.00 pm, when Zoting reached the Malegaon court from Nashik. Ganachari was summoned in his chamber and asked to remove his gown and coat, before serving his retirement orders and three months' salary. The charge was handed over to another judge A D Bhosale. Ganachari's termination orders were issued by the Chief Justice of the Mumbai High Court.
During his six months tenure in Malegaon, Ganachari was alleged to have been arrogant and biased. Lawyers had attributed motives to several of his decisions, including the bail to two accused allegedly involved in the murder of one Mangala Gangurde from Taharabad (Baglan).
Ganachari has also allegedly slapped a Class IV government employee, Arun Waman Ahire, posted at his residence. The incident took place on August 5, when thejudge got angry as he was not given hot water for shaving and that the blade was not sharp enough. Ahire had filed a written complaint with Zoting and the Class IV and III employees' unions had threatened to go on strike in protest.
Attempts to contact Ganachari were in vain, as nobody answered telephone calls at his office as well as residence. Zoting was not available for comment as he was out of station, according to his family members.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.