Andhra Pradesh lawyers meet Law Minister Kiren Rijiju; hand over representation against proposed transfer of two judges

The Andhra Pradesh Advocates Joint Committee (APAJC) on Tuesday met Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju and submitted a representation expressing their reservations on the Supreme Court Collegium's proposal to transfer Justices Battu Devanand and D Ramesh..The APAJC's representation says that the recommendations were completely arbitrary in nature and 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," it reads..According to APAJC's representation, the judges recommended for transfer were among the most revered judges, known for their fearless commitment towards rendering justice. It also highlights that they have been the first to question violations of fundamental rights."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 lawyers' body also pointed out that the two judges have previously passed orders against government officials found to be in contempt of the High Court's orders..Therefore, the APAJC asked the Union Minister to refer the request to the Supreme Court Collegium so that it may review its previous recommendation..The 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..Previously, the APAJC had made a similar representation to the High Court’s Chief Justice.At the time, the Andhra Pradesh High Court Advocates' Association (APHCAA) had made it clear to Bar & Bench that it did not endorse the representation by APAJC..Contentious EGM reveals split in Andhra Pradesh High Court Bar on transfer of two judges.[Read representation]