The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended the transfer of seven sitting High Court judges. The decision was finalised during meetings held on April 15 and April 19 under the leadership of Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna.
According to the Collegium resolution dated April 19 and uploaded on the Apex Court’s website, the proposed transfers involve judges from the Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh High Courts. The stated objective is to strengthen judicial administration and ensure broader representation across jurisdictions.
Among the transfers recommended, four judges from the Karnataka High Court feature prominently. The Collegium has proposed the transfer of:
-
Justice Krishna S. Dixit to the Orissa High Court,
-
Justice Hemant Chandangoudar to the Madras High Court,
-
Justice K. Natarajan to the Kerala High Court, and
-
Justice N.S. Sanjay Gowda to the Gujarat High Court
Additionally, from the Telangana High Court, Justice Perugu Sree Sudha has been recommended for transfer to the Karnataka High Court, while Justice K. Surendhar is proposed to be moved to the Madras High Court. Justice Kumbhajadala Manmadha Rao of the Andhra Pradesh High Court is also recommended for transfer to Karnataka.
In its resolution, the Collegium noted, “With a view to infuse inclusivity and diversity at the level of High Courts and to strengthen the quality of administration of justice, these recommendations have been made after due deliberation.”
The move comes amidst concerns raised by members of the Bar in Karnataka. The Advocates’ Associations at both the Bengaluru and Dharwad benches had written to the Chief Justice of India, urging that the current judges be allowed to continue in view of their integrity and effectiveness. Around 200 junior advocates also submitted a separate representation on similar lines.
Justice Dixit, whose transfer to the Orissa High Court has been proposed, addressed the development during a hearing on April 17. Emphasising judicial duty, he remarked, “Like a soldier is sent on posting, we too are bound to serve wherever directed. If a High Court bench is established in the Himalayas, I will go there too.”
The Collegium’s recommendations now await approval from the Union Government, after which the official notifications will be issued.
Picture Source :