Hang me if I am guilty, says Madhya Pradesh High Court judge accused of sexual harassment

The Madhya Pradesh High Court judge who stands accused of sexual harassment has stepped down from his position, while also maintaining his innocence.

According to media reports​, he reportedly stated to the Chief Justice of Madhya Pradesh High Court, "Hang me if I am guilty". Meanwhile, a PIL has also been filed demanding the judge to be suspended till the probe is completed. It is also seeking judicial enquiry against the judge.

The controversy started after an Additional District and Sessions Judge in Gwalior resigned citing alleged sexual harassment by a sitting judge in the MP High Court. Rejecting the charges made by the woman judge, who also headed the district-level committee to look into sexual harassment in workplaces, the high court judge today wrote a letter to Chief Justice R M Lodha offering to face any probe by any agency including an investigating agency. "I have the highest regard to the institution and (am) concerned about the image of the institution. On repetition, I again say that I do not want any trial by any court." Offering to face a CBI inquiry or a probe by any agency, he said if any allegation against him is found true, "I am ready to face any penalty, even the death penalty". "In regard to the woman judge and even in regard to any lady, an investigation can also be done whether I have ever harassed or abused any of the lady employees or any subordinate judge," the judge said in his two-page letter to the CJI. Read more