Andhra Pradesh Advocates Joint Committee protests transfer of two judges, seeks review of collegium decision

The Andhra Pradesh Advocates Joint Committee (APAJC/ committee) has written to the Andhra Pradesh High Court (AP High Court) Chief Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra expressing its displeasure at the recommendation of the Supreme Court collegium to transfer Justices Battu Devanand and D Ramesh. .The letter of the joint committee said that the recommendations were completely arbitrary in nature and has tarnished the faith in the independence of the judiciary."Hon'ble judges are instructed to bear their true allegiance to the Constitution of India, in its letter and spirit to administer the justice, in which process the judicial adversity towards the violation done or injury caused is inevitable for which action, the Hon’ble judges cannot be imposed with the transfers, which instils fear in the judicious minds, acts as a note of caution to the other hon’ble sitting judges," the letter said.The Supreme Court Collegium had recently recommended the transfers of Justices Battu Devanand and D Ramesh and five more judges. While Justice Devanand was recommended for transfer to the Madras High Court, Justice Ramesh was recommended for transfer to the Allahabad High Court..According to APAJC's representation, the judges recommended for transfer were among the most revered judges known for their fearless commitment towards rendering justice."The duo of the Hon’ble judges instill confidence in the bar to fight for upholding the Constitutional values and are one of the reasons that the people of the state repose faith in the judiciary.".The letter said that the judges had upheld justice in a number of contempt cases against government officials for their wilful, wanton and deliberate disobedience of the court's orders."Nevertheless their independent and fearless actions now has rendered their proposed transfer for which action we express our sincere displeasure", the representation further stated.In light of these considerations, the APAJC requested the Chief Justice to refer the request to the Supreme Court, calling for a review of the collegium's recommendations..Advocate J Sravan Kumar, Chairman of the committee also told Bar & Bench that all efforts are being made to secure an appointment with the Governor, Chief Justice of India and Law Minister. He added that all advocates associations across the State were being urged to support this cause. Interestingly, the bar itself is divided over the issue with the Andhra Pradesh High Court Advocates' Association (APHCAA) making it clear that it is not backing the representation by APAJC.."Bar Association has no role. They have independently made the representation. The Joint Action Committee has nothing to do with the Bar Association," said Advocate P Narasimha Murthy, Vice-President of the APHCAA.