JCIO 21/24

A spokesperson for the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office said:

The Lady Chief Justice, with the Lord Chancellor’s agreement, has issued District Judge (DJ) Najma Mian with a formal warning for misconduct.

The Guide to Judicial Conduct reminds office-holders to be courteous, tolerant and respect the dignity of all. They should also ensure that their conduct maintains and enhances public confidence in the judiciary.

A litigant in family proceedings complained that DJ Mian had shouted, verbally lashed out and interrupted her legal representative throughout the hearing.

An investigation was carried out under the Judicial Conduct (Judicial and other office holders) Rules 2014. Whilst not all of the complaint was made out, a nominated judge found that DJ Mian was sarcastic and condescending and had shouted at and interrupted the representative on many occasions throughout the hearing.

DJ Mian explained that she had repeatedly tried to move the case forward and accepted that she had shown frustration in the hearing when faced with the same issues as previous hearings. She considered that she had taken a robust view on the evidence before the court and did not accept the findings of the nominated judge.

The Lady Chief Justice and the Lord Chancellor agreed with the findings of the nominated judge. In deciding to issue DJ Mian with a formal warning, they took into consideration that she had been issued with formal advice in 2021 after she was criticised in an appeal judgment for showing anger and sarcasm during a court hearing.

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