This marks a step back from what was seen as an extraordinary judicial intervention in the functioning of a High Court judge.

The Supreme Court has withdrawn its earlier order that barred Allahabad High Court judge, Justice Prashant Kumar, from hearing criminal cases. The reversal follows a request from Chief Justice of India, BR Gavai, urging reconsideration of the decision.

A bench comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan had passed the initial order on August 4, criticizing Justice Kumar for upholding a criminal summons in what was fundamentally a civil matter. Along with lifting the ban, the Supreme Court also expunged its critical remarks against Justice Kumar, which had been deemed objectionable.

“We have received an undated letter from the Chief Justice of India requesting us to reconsider the directions passed in our earlier order,” the bench stated. “Accordingly, we set aside the impugned order and remand the matter for fresh hearing in the High Court,” they added, concluding, “We close this matter.”

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