Kerala High Court Transfers Kavaratti District Judge Amidst Sexual Harassment Allegation

The Registrar General of the Kerala High Court on Tuesday directed the Director (Services) of the Lakshadweep Administration to repatriate District and Sessions Judge of Kavaratti, Anil Kumar K, to the Kerala Judicial Services. The judge was facing a sexual harassment complaint filed by a woman lawyer.

Anil Kumar, who is currently serving as District and Sessions Judge of Kavaratti, is to be posted as Additional District and Sessions Judge/Motor Accident Claims Tribunal, Pala due to ‘administrative exigency’, the letter issued by the Registrar General to the Director (Services) of the Lakshadweep Administration stated. The Lakshadweep Administration was directed to take urgent steps to issue orders in this regard.

According to reports, a female lawyer had filed a complaint with the Registrar General alleging that the district judge had sexually harassed her. It was alleged by her that he promised verdicts in favour of the complainant as long as she did not disclose details of the incident. Following the complaint, the local bar association launched protests against the judge.