Supreme Court Collegium Proposes Transfer of 4 Karnataka HC Judges
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Synopsis
In a significant development, the Supreme Court Collegium has proposed the transfer of four Karnataka High Court judges to various High Courts in India, aiming to enhance judicial inclusivity and effectiveness.
Key Takeaways
- Four Karnataka High Court judges recommended for transfer.
- Transfers include Justice Krishna Dixit to Odisha, Justice Natarajan to Kerala, Justice Chandangoudar to Madras, and Justice Gowda to Gujarat.
- Decision taken to promote diversity in the judiciary.
- Karnataka Advocates Association opposes the transfers vehemently.
- Concerns raised about the impact on judicial effectiveness and morale.
Bengaluru/New Delhi, April 21 (NationPress) In a significant turn of events, the Supreme Court Collegium has put forward recommendations for the transfer of four judges from the Karnataka High Court to different High Courts across India.
The judges identified for transfer include Justices Krishna Dixit, K. Natarajan, Hemant Chandangoudar, and Sanjay Gowda.
Justice Dixit will be moving to the Odisha High Court, Justice Natarajan will be transferred to the Kerala High Court, Justice Chandangoudar is set to join the Madras High Court, and Justice Gowda is headed to the Gujarat High Court.
This decision was made during collegium meetings held on April 15 and April 19.
The Supreme Court stated on its website that this decision aims to enhance inclusivity and diversity within the High Courts while improving the administration of justice.
Prior to the official announcement, the Karnataka Advocates Association, Dharwad Bench, expressed their concerns in a letter to Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna on April 18, opposing the anticipated transfer of the four judges.
Association President V.M. Sheelavant remarked, "The Bar members are in strong protest against the proposal." He added that the legal community in Karnataka is shocked by the rumors regarding the transfers of some of the state’s most esteemed judges.
He further emphasized that the bar members can attest to the judges' selfless service, unquestionable integrity, exceptional legal skills, empathy, and efficiency.
Sheelavant stated, "This move is disheartening for both the Bar and the judges, who are recognized for their utmost efficiency and sense of justice. The transfer of these outstanding legal professionals would negatively impact the workings of the Karnataka High Court and demoralize the legal community and the public."
He concluded, "The members of this Bar are determined to retain these judges in the Karnataka High Court for the benefit of the litigant public, as this step is regressive and obstructs progress."
In addition to the transfers from the Karnataka High Court, the Supreme Court Collegium has also recommended the transfer of two judges from the Telangana High Court and one from the Andhra Pradesh High Court, with one judge from each of these courts expected to join the Karnataka High Court.
