A division bench of the Karnataka High Court comprising Chief Justice Abhay Oka and Justice Sachin Shankar Magadum on Monday stayed the private complaint registered against a Judicial Magistrate First Class, (JMFC) under sections sections 166, 205, 120 (A) 211, 219, 499 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code.

The court while hearing a suo-motu criminal petition initiated to quash the complaint lodged against the judicial officer by one C M Manjunath. The court observed that the complaint was not maintainable in view of protection granted under provisions of Judge (Protection ) Act 1985, and section 77 of Indian Penal Code.”

Manjunath had filed a complaint on the administrative side addressed to the Chief Justice making certain grievances against the Judicial Officer, about the alleged statements made by the officer during remand proceedings.

A notice has now been issued to the state government and the complainant and has now posted the matter for preliminary hearing on August 21.