Delhi High Court lawyers urge CJI to reconsider transfer of Justice Tara Vitasta Ganju

A group of 94 Delhi-based advocates has written to Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai seeking reconsideration of the Supreme Court Collegium recommendation to transfer Justice Tara Vitasta Ganju to the Karnataka High Court.

The letter has been signed by 94 advocates, including by Senior Advocates Kirti Uppal, Gaurav Sarin and Manik Dogra.

It states that Justice Ganju has served the Bar for 30 years with an unblemished record and has one of the highest disposal rates.

"Furthermore, the Hon'ble Judge has delivered judgements on diverse jurisprudences, be it commercial matters, rent revisions, labour matters, arbitration appeals, etc. Due to the Hon'ble Judge's commitment and efficiency, even the Rent Revision Roster has been streamlined from two courts to now, one, showcasing how a single bench under the Judge's stewardship could handle an extensive caseload with remarkable effectiveness and high disposal rate."

The letter further lauds Justice Ganju for mentoring and promoting women and young lawyers.

"In the above background, it is unfortunate and concerning that a judge who has contributed immensely to impart justice is being shunted rather than appreciated. The principles of judicial independence, merit-based advancement and recognition of judicial excellence should ideally be the guiding parameters in such crucial decisions. In this context, the proposed transfer appears unwarranted and detrimental to the institutional integrity of the Delhi High Court. It will certainly be perceived as a significant loss to the judiciary.

It thus appeals to the CJI to reconsider the recommendation to transfer the judge.

The Supreme Court Collegium had last week recommended the transfer of two Delhi High Court judges - Justices Tara Vitasta Ganju and Arun Monga - to the Karnataka and Rajasthan High Courts, respectively. These are yet to be cleared by the Central government.

The Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA) also wrote to the CJI and the Supreme Court Collegium expressing concerns over the recent spate of transfers of judges in and out of the Delhi High Court.

In a letter dated September 1, DHCBA has said that these transfers have generated unease among lawyers practicing before the Delhi High Court as well as the institution itself.

[Read the Letter]