The Disciplinary Panel finds the judge guilty and imposes the most severe disciplinary measure

The Disciplinary Panel ruled at Monday’s oral hearing that the disciplined judge pleaded guilty to 26 counts of pronouncing a judgment in 26 proceedings which he failed to produce in writing within the statutory time limit. He also found him guilty of arbitrarily failing to perform the duties of a judge in the official rooms of the Bratislava V District Court, even though he was not allowed to work in his home environment.

During the pronouncement of the decision, the President of the Panel stated that the disciplinary accused judge also pleaded guilty for not handing over to the authorised person a total of 32 court files in cases held at the Bratislava V District Court after he had ceased to be a lawful judge in them, in violation of the Act on Judges. It concluded that the judge had also, contrary to the Courts Act, unjustifiably disregarded the controlling power of the court president aimed at eliminating deficiencies in the smooth running of court proceedings.

“By his culpable conduct, he has summarily breached his duty to meet the moral standard and integrity of a judge for the proper and responsible performance of his duties as part of the prerequisites for judicial competence for the duration of his tenure as a judge. In doing so, he committed a serious disciplinary offence incompatible with the office of judge,” said the President of the Panel, Viola Takáčová.

The Disciplinary Panel imposed a summary disciplinary measure on the accused judge, namely removal from the office of judge. The Disciplinary Panel decided by a vote of 5:0. The disciplined judge may appeal against the decision.

The Supreme Administrative Court of the Slovak Republic shall publish detailed written reasons for the disciplinary decision within the statutory time limit.

In the disciplinary case of the Council of judges at the District Court Bratislava V and the President of the District Court Bratislava V c/a Judge JUDr. Michal Sobolovský, the decision was made by the Panel No. 33 of the Supreme Administrative Court of the Slovak Republic composed of: the President of the Panel JUDr. Viola Takáčová, PhD.; Judges Mgr. Kristína Babiaková (Judge-rapporteur); prof. JUDr. Peter Potásch, PhD.; lay judges JUDr. Stanislav Gaňa, PhD.; Mgr. Marcel Drgon.