Bengaluru, April 24, 2025 In a move that has generated considerable trending news coverage across India, the Advocates’ Association of Bengaluru (AAB) boycotted the Karnataka High Court proceedings on Wednesday. This protest comes in response to the Supreme Court Collegium’s decision to transfer four senior judges to other state High Courts. The association condemned the move and called it a serious threat to judicial independence and transparency.
According to the AAB, the decision was taken after a General Body meeting held on Tuesday, where members passed a unanimous resolution against the Collegium’s recommendation. The lawyers expressed that such decisions, made without local consultation, undermine the autonomy of state judiciaries.
Transfer of Four Sitting Judges Sparks Outrage(Trending Court News)
The four judges affected by the Supreme Court Collegium’s order are:
- Justice Krishna Dixit – Transferred to Orissa High Court
- Justice K Natarajan – Transferred to Kerala High Court
- Justice Hemant Chandangoudar – Transferred to Madras High Court
- Justice Sanjay Gowda – Transferred to Gujarat High Court
The transfers were part of a policy to “infuse inclusivity and diversity,” according to the Supreme Court’s official website. However, lawyers across Karnataka argue that these judges are efficient, experienced, and hardworking, and their abrupt transfer is inappropriate and unfair.
Boycott Impacts Judicial Work in Multiple Benches
As part of the protest, lawyers across Bengaluru, Dharwad, and Kalaburagi abstained from work, resulting in widespread adjournment of cases. Only a few courtrooms, including those handling bail petitions and presided over by the Chief Justice, continued with limited proceedings. The boycott disrupted regular court activity, affecting both civil and criminal cases scheduled for the day.
Lawyers Speak Out Against the Collegium System
In a passionate address to Chief Justice NV Anjaria, Vivek Subba Reddy, the president of AAB, highlighted that this is not about individual interests but about protecting the judiciary’s dignity. “We have no personal interest. We are doing this for the institution,” he said.
The lawyers also submitted a letter to Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, requesting withdrawal of the transfer orders. The letter emphasized that such transfers of competent judges would be a “great injustice” to Karnataka’s legal system and demanded a re-evaluation of the decision-making process within the Collegium system.
Understanding the Collegium Process
For those unfamiliar, the Collegium system comprises the five senior-most judges of the Supreme Court, including the Chief Justice of India. This body is responsible for appointments and transfers of judges in High Courts and the Supreme Court. While its decisions are legally binding, the system has long been criticized for a lack of accountability and transparency criticisms that are once again surfacing in this latest controversy.