SEATTLE (Diya TV) — Seattle Municipal Court Judge Pooja Vaddadi finds herself reassigned to handling parking tickets and traffic infractions instead of criminal cases amidst a contentious dispute with the Seattle City Attorney’s Office. Following a decision by the City Attorney’s Office to file affidavits disqualifying Vaddadi from future criminal cases due to alleged biased rulings, the judge’s role has been shifted, according to recent reports.
The move comes after Seattle City Attorney Ann Davison announced her office’s intention to exclude Judge Vaddadi from all forthcoming criminal cases, citing concerns over what Davison described as a “pattern of biased rulings.” In a memo from Davison’s office, it was stated that there had been significant feedback from attorneys appearing in Vaddadi’s courtroom, expressing doubts about her understanding and application of evidence rules.
In response to the allegations, Judge Vaddadi, speaking independently and not on behalf of the court, denied any bias and expressed surprise at the sudden disqualification efforts. She emphasized her commitment to impartiality and fairness in her rulings, stating that she only considers the facts and the law when making decisions.
Despite Vaddadi’s denial, the City Attorney’s Office proceeded with the disqualification process, resulting in her reassignment to handle traffic infractions and parking tickets. The decision to exclude Vaddadi from criminal cases is a rare step, raising questions about the relationship between the judiciary and the city’s legal representation.
The move has sparked debate within legal circles, with some questioning the City Attorney’s Office’s unilateral decision-making process. Critics argue that such actions could undermine the independence of the judiciary and set a troubling precedent for future disputes between city prosecutors and judges.
As Judge Vaddadi adjusts to her new role, concerns linger about the impact of her reassignment on the efficiency of the Seattle Municipal Court and the broader implications for judicial independence. The decision underscores the delicate balance between upholding the integrity of the legal system and addressing concerns about judicial conduct.
Both the Seattle City Attorney’s Office and the King County Department of Public Defense have refrained from commenting on the matter, leaving the situation surrounding Judge Vaddadi’s reassignment unresolved.
