Kerala High Court Advocates' Association to demand transfer of Justice A Badharudeen

The Kerala High Court Advocates' Association (KHCAA) has decided to pass a resolution demanding the transfer of Justice A Badharudeen out of Kerala..The Bar's grievances with Justice Badharudeen concern the interactions between the judge and lawyers appearing in his court. The most recent incident occurred on March 6, when advocate Saritha Thomas requested the Court to give her some more time to change vakalath as her husband, advocate Alex M Scaria, had passed away in January this year. Justice Badharudeen allegedly responded in an uncharitable manner driving Thomas to tears.On Friday, KHCAA rejected Justice Badharudeen's offer to apologise in his chambers and boycotted his court. KHCAA also wrote to the Chief Justice demanding an open court apology from Justice Badharudeen.Over the weekend, the Chief Justice met with various stakeholders including senior judges of the Court, Senior Advocate George Poonthottam (who initially called for action from the KHCAA and moved a resolution to boycott Justice Badharudeen's court), advocate Saritha Thomas and several other lawyers.Following the meeting, Thomas wrote to KHCAA requesting that they call off all further steps they might have been considering related to this issue. Her letter stated that Justice Badharudeen had expressed his deep regret in the presence of the Chief Justice, senior most judge Justice A Muhammed Mustaque and Senior Advocate George Poonthottam.However, KHCAA President Yeshwanth Shenoy was not present at the meeting with the Chief Justice allegedly because he was not invited. In a letter addressed to members of KHCAA, Shenoy expressed his disapproval of the same as well as the decisions taken in the meeting. He also intimated KHCAA memberes that the general body meeting that was scheduled for 1 pm on Monday would be advanced to 9:45 am. .While court proceedings resumed in Justice Badharudeen's court on Monday, KHCAA decided to pass a resolution later today deciding to request his transfer. They have also decided to reiterate their demand for mandatory recording of court proceedings to curb unbecoming conduct from judges or lawyers. Sources also informed Bar & Bench that the bar body has decided to initiate steps to suspend Senior Advocate Poonthottam for speaking to the Chief Justice without the nod of KHCAA. However, no official notice has yet been issued to the senior advocate..Update: The KHCAA has officially passed the resolution.The notice subsequently issued by KHCAA summarises the resolution as follows:The boycott of Justice Badharudeen's Court which started on Friday has been called off;KHCAA will write to Chief Justice of India requesting Justice Badharudeen's transfer;KHCAA will suspend and initiate disciplinary proceedings against Senior Advocate George Poonthottam; andKHCAA will emand mandatory video recording and will even resort to complete court boycotts if the demand is not met. .[Read KHCAA notices (English, Malayalam)].Follow Bar and Bench channel on WhatsAppDownload the Bar and Bench Mobile app for instant access to the latest legal news.