The state’s judicial commission is being urged to investigate a country magistrate over his relationship with a young court clerk.

Magistrate Rodney Higgins, 68, has been embroiled in controversy since his relationship with 23-year-old Ashleigh Petrie was made public this month.

Shadow attorney-general Edward O'Donohue has urged the state's judicial commission to investigate Rodney Higgins over his relationship with Ashleigh Petrie. Credit:Instagram

Shadow attorney-general Edward O’Donohue has written to the Judicial Commission of Victoria questioning Mr Higgins’ "capacity to perform his judicial duties" and asked for him to be investigated.

"Recent media attention given to Magistrate Higgins' relationship with a court clerk, now his fiance, including alleged influence over his judicial decision-making, raises serious questions about his independence," Mr O’Donohue wrote.