The Rule of Law over Rhetoric: Inside the Judicial World of Judge Jitendra Pratap Singh
In the high-stakes arena of Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court, one name has recently become synonymous with a “facts-first” judicial philosophy: Special Judge Jitendra Pratap Singh.
His latest bombshell—the discharge of former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and 21 others in the high-profile excise policy case—has sent shockwaves through the political landscape. But for those who have followed Judge Singh’s career, this 600-page verdict is simply the latest chapter in a consistent history of prioritizing legal substance over agency narratives.
Who is Judge Jitendra Pratap Singh?
A senior judicial officer within the Delhi Judicial Service, Judge Singh is an alumnus of Delhi University’s Faculty of Law. Appointed as an Additional Sessions Judge in October 2024, he has carved out a niche as an expert in navigating complex corruption cases investigated by federal agencies like the CBI and ED.
His judicial style is defined by a refusal to be swayed by the sheer volume of a chargesheet. Instead, he focuses on the “prima facie” evidence—the core facts required to sustain a trial.
A Trail of High-Profile Rulings
Judge Singh is no stranger to the intersection of law and power. His gavel has fallen on leaders from across the political spectrum, proving his reputation for impartiality.
1. Reopening the “M.F. Husain” Mystery
One of his most notable interventions involved a precious painting by the legendary artist M.F. Husain.
- The Case: Former Union Minister and Congress leader Bhanwar Jitendra Singh was accused of borrowing a painting worth over ₹1 crore from former MP Dr. Prabha Thakur and failing to return it.
- The Ruling: Judge Singh overturned a lower magistrate’s order that had dismissed the complaint. He ruled that the facts suggested a “Criminal Breach of Trust,” effectively reopening the case against the Congress veteran.
2. Cracking Down on Communal Rhetoric
The Judge has also shown a zero-tolerance policy toward hate speech. In a case involving BJP leader Kapil Mishra, Judge Singh was scathing regarding controversial remarks made during an election cycle.
- The Observation: He dismissed Mishra’s petitions, noting that the tactical use of words like “Pakistan” was a calculated attempt to incite communal polarization and spread hatred—a move he deemed entirely unacceptable in a democratic setup.
3. Accountability for the ED and CBI
Judge Singh has gained a reputation for holding federal agencies to a high standard of proof:
- Amanatullah Khan Case: He ordered the release of AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan in a money laundering case related to the Waqf Board, citing a lack of sufficient grounds in the ED’s chargesheet.
- The Kejriwal Discharge: In the excise case, he didn’t hold back, rebuking the CBI for relying on “stories” and witness statements without corroborating physical evidence.
“No person, especially someone holding a constitutional post, can be forced to face trial based on unsubstantiated theories of conspiracy. To do so is contrary to the Rule of Law.” — Judge Jitendra Pratap Singh
The Verdict on the Judge
Whether it is a stolen masterpiece or a billion-dollar policy dispute, Jitendra Pratap Singh’s record suggests a judge who views the law as a scalpel rather than a sledgehammer. By demanding “solid material” over “voluminous paperwork,” he has established himself as a critical gatekeeper in Delhi’s legal system—one who ensures that the process of law does not itself become the punishment.