DHCBA Passes Resolution Against SC Collegium’s Recommendation To Transfer Justice Gaurang Kanth, Resolves To Abstain From Work On Monday

The Delhi High Court Bar Association on Thursday passed a resolution against the Supreme Court Collegium’s recommendation to transfer sitting judge, Justice Gaurang Kanth, to the Calcutta High Court.

Justice Kanth was appointed as a judge of the Delhi High Court on May 18, 2022.

The Supreme Court Collegium yesterday passed a resolution reiterating its recommendation dated July 05 to transfer the judge to Calcutta High Court. It also rejected Justice Kanth’s request to transfer him to Madhya Pradesh High Court or Rajasthan High Court or any other neighbouring State.

In a resolution passed today, the lawyers’ body has said that it unanimously resolves to request its members to abstain from work on Monday, July 17, as a token of protest.

“Delhi High Court Bar Association unanimously resolves to request its members to abstain from work on Monday, i.e17th July, 2023 as a token of protest as the said transfer is a rarest of rare case. Members are requested to co-operate,” the resolution reads.

It adds that such a transfer would adversely affect the dispensation of justice on account of consequent reduction of the existing strength of judges in the Delhi High Court.

“It is a matter of regret that while no attention is being paid by all concerned regarding the process of filling up of the existing vacancies in the Delhi High Court, yet the transfer of Hon'ble sitting Judge is being made thereby further reducing the existing strength of Hon'ble Judges in Delhi High Court,” the lawyers’ body has said.

It added, “Delhi High Court Bar Association therefore requests the collegium of the Hon'ble Supreme Court to kindly revisit the aforesaid recommendation. Besides the copy of this resolution is also being sent to the Central Government thereby requesting them to not to act on the said recommendation and instead call upon the collegium to re-consider the aforesaid decision.”