Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru/New Delhi

Bengaluru/New Delhi, Apr 21: In a significant development, the Supreme Court Collegium has recommended the transfer of four judges from the Karnataka High Court to various other High Courts across India. The decision, taken during Collegium meetings held on April 15 and April 19, comes despite strong opposition from the Karnataka Advocates Association, Dharwad Bench.

The four judges facing transfer are Justices Krishna Dixit, K. Natarajan, Hemant Chandangoudar, and Sanjay Gowda. Justice Dixit has been recommended for transfer to the Odisha High Court, Justice Natarajan to the Kerala High Court, Justice Chandangoudar to the Madras High Court, and Justice Gowda to the Gujarat High Court.

According to the Supreme Court website, the transfers aim to promote inclusivity and diversity within the High Courts and enhance the quality of judicial administration.

Prior to the official announcement, the Karnataka Advocates Association, Dharwad Bench, had voiced their strong disapproval of the rumored transfers in a letter dated April 18 to Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna. Association President V.M. Sheelavant stated that "the Bar members are in strong protest against the proposal."

In his letter, Sheelavant expressed the disbelief of bar members across Karnataka upon hearing the rumors of the proposed transfer of "a few of the best legal minds serving as Hon’ble Judges of the High Court of Karnataka." He vouched for the judges' "selfless service, unquestionable integrity, unmatched legal acumen, empathy and efficiency."

Sheelavant warned that the transfers would be "disheartening" and "demoralising" for the judges and would have a "disruptive and crippling effect on the working of the High Court of Karnataka," dealing a "deadly blow to the morale of the members of the Bar and the litigant public." He affirmed the Bar's "firm resolve" to oppose the transfers in the interest of the litigant public and the Bar itself, deeming the move "retrogressive."

In addition to the four judges 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. Notably, one judge each from the Telangana and Andhra Pradesh High Courts is slated to be transferred to the Karnataka High Court.