New Delhi, July 17 -- The Delhi High Court suspended district judge Vinay Singhal last week over allegations that he appointed a group of ineligible advocates as court auctioneers and passed judicial orders enabling them to receive payments beyond permissible limits under the relevant rules, HT has learnt. The allegations formed the basis of a vigilance inquiry ordered by high court chief justice DK Upadhyaya after receiving a complaint on August 20, 2025. The inquiry is understood to have raised concerns over a possible nexus between the judicial officer and some of the beneficiaries of the appointments, according to people familiar with the matter. The full court, which approved Singhal's suspension on July 10, took the decision after considering the vigilance report, obtaining comments from the principal district and sessions judge concerned, and giving Singhal an opportunity to explain his position, the people cited above said. Singhal did not respond to HT's requests for comment. The complaint, submitted by an advocate who had been appointed a court auctioneer, alleged that several others were appointed despite failing to satisfy the eligibility conditions prescribed by the Delhi High Court and were subsequently paid honoraria beyond the limits stipulated under the high court rules. Court auctioneers are licensed professionals appointed by district courts to conduct auctions of properties attached in execution proceedings, including recovery of decrees. Their appointment and remuneration is governed by the Delhi HC....