JCIO 16/26

   

A spokesperson for the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office said:

Mr Justice Keehan, on behalf of the Lady Chief Justice and with the Lord Chancellor’s agreement, has issued Miss Chandra Soodin JP, of the North London local justice area, with formal advice for misconduct.

Facts

Magistrates sign a declaration and undertaking on appointment to be circumspect in their conduct and maintain the dignity, standing and good reputation of the magistracy at all times. They also undertake to inform their bench chair if they become personally involved in court proceedings.

This matter arose after Miss Soodin wrote to her bench chair to raise concerns about the handling of a court case that she had attended in a personal capacity. It therein emerged that Miss Soodin had failed to notify her bench chair of her involvement in those court proceedings. It was also revealed that Ms Soodin had disclosed her magisterial status when expressing her dissatisfaction to the court staff at those court proceedings.

Miss Soodin’s representations

Miss Soodin apologised for failing to notify her bench chair of her involvement in the proceedings and explained that she did not recall the specific requirements of the declaration and undertaking she had signed over 25 years ago.

She disclosed her magisterial status solely to assist the person to recall the interaction, and not with an intention of gaining an advantage.

Nominated committee member’s findings and recommendation

Following an investigation under the Judicial Conduct (Magistrates) Rules 2023, a nominated committee member of the London Conduct Advisory Committee found that Miss Soodin breached her declaration and undertaking by failing to notify her bench chair of her involvement in civil proceedings, and that she was not circumspect when she referred to her magisterial status in circumstances that could be perceived as an attempt to influence or gain an advantage.

The nominated committee member concluded that Miss Soodin’s actions amounted to misconduct and recommended that she receive a sanction of a formal warning for misconduct.

In making the recommendation, the nominated committee member considered that Miss Soodin failed to recognise both her obligation to report her involvement in proceedings and the inappropriateness in referring to her magisterial status.

In mitigation, Miss Soodin apologised for failing to report her involvement in court proceedings and it was accepted that the reference to her status was made to explain her concerns regarding the court process rather than to influence the proceedings or gain an advantage. Additionally, she had no previous findings of misconduct in her 25-year career.

Decision

After careful consideration, Mr Justice Keehan and the Lord Chancellor disagreed with the recommendation to issue Miss Soodin with a formal warning. They decided that, based on the facts, and Miss Soodin’s previous conduct record, formal advice would be appropriate. 
 

Notes for Editors

Media queries in relation to the JCIO should be made in the first instance to the Judicial Press Office - telephone 020 7073 4852 or via email - press.enquiries@judiciary.gsi.gov.uk 

Sanctions for misconduct by judicial office-holders are set out in the Constitutional Reform Act 2005. They are, in order of severity: formal advice, formal warning, reprimand and removal from office.

For more information about the Office, including details on how to make a complaint against a judicial office holder, you can visit the JCIO website at: Judicial Conduct Investigations website