Bar association stands by Justice HP Sandesh, who was threatened with transfer; says will write to CJI

The Advocates' Association, Bengaluru has issued a statement in support of Justice HP Sandesh of the Karnataka High Court, who recently revealed in open court that he received threats of a transfer for monitoring certain cases being handled by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of the State..In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Association said that the revelations by Justice Sandesh have shaken the conscience of lawyers and the general public. "The Advocates Association expresses serious concern and deep regret that there are external forces and forces within the judiciary influencing judicial decisions. A judge's decision must inspire the deepest faith in the system and most not be open to questions and doubt," the statement said.The Association added that it stands with him in his effort to correct the system..The single-judge had revealed on July 4 that another sitting High Court judge informed him of the threats of transfer after that judge was approached by some persons."Your ADGP so powerful (unclear). Some persons spoke to one of our High Court judges. That judge came and sat with me and he said giving an example of transferring of one of the judges to some other district. I will not hesitate to mention the name of the judge also! He came and sat by the side of me and there is a threat to this Court," Justice Sandesh had said.He went on to declare that he is ready for any transfer, and would protect the judiciary's independence, even at the cost of his judgeship."This should not happen. I will record the same in the order itself. You people are encouraging such people - State government as well as.....You are here to protect the institution. Not to do all these things," he had said. .The Advocates' Association has said that the Constitution demands that judges, sitting or retired, do not discuss matters pending before them and influence decision making.It, therefore, resolved to write to the Chief Justice of India to launch an in-house enquiry into the episode and to also frame a code of conduct for judges.