'Judicial Harakiri': Magistrate Criticized for Ignoring Direction to Decide Maintainability of Cheque Bounce Case: Orissa High Court

The Orissa High Court has sharply criticized a Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) for dismissing a petition that questioned the maintainability of a cheque bounce case, despite clear instructions from the High Court to consider the matter. The High Court expressed serious concern over the Magistrate’s conduct, which it described as a breach of judicial discipline and hierarchy. Justice V. Narasingh, presiding over the bench, emphasized that ignoring a direct…