Karnataka High Court judge reveals in open court he was threatened with transfer; says he will protect judicial independence

Justice HP Sandesh of the Karnataka High Court on Monday divulged controversial details regarding threats of transfer he received for monitoring certain cases being handled by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of the State [Mahesh PS v State of Karnataka]..The single-judge revealed that another sitting High Court judge informed him of the same 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 judge 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 said..He went on to declare that he is ready for any transfer but would protect the judiciary's independence event 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 said."Why should I hesitate? I will bell the cat even at the cost of my judgeship," he added..I will bell the cat even at the cost of my judgeship.Justice HP Sandesh.He demanded State government why it was hiding details if they are not culprits. .Justice Sandesh made it clear that he was unafraid of putting his post on the line for the public good. "I am not affiliated to any political party. I am not having an ideology of any political party. I am affiliated to the Constitution... I am not aiming to go and sit in the Supreme Court, I am not worried... I am son of a farmer. I will till the land and feed few people," he said. .The Court was hearing the bail application of an accused who was allegedly caught red-handed accepting a bribe of ₹5 lakh in exchange for an order from the Deputy Commissioner's office. Justice Sandesh was angered by the conduct of the counsel appearing for the ACB who went back on an undertaking given to the court on the previous occasion regarding the production of certain documents relating to the investigation. .It was the judge's belief that this exercise was being carried out to protect those who had engaged in corrupt acts."Are you here to protect the interest of the culprits or the general public? You being an advocate of the Anti-Corruption Bureau. The ACB is constituted to prevent corruption," the judge told the lawyer appearing for ACB. .Referring to the Prevention of Corruption Act, he said that the enactment was brought into force with the intention of preventing corruption, which the judge said is a cancer in the society."Instead of allowing to reach the fourth stage, which is not curable- at the first or second stage, it should be cured," he said. .The case was then put up by the court to be heard further during the post-lunch session when the court would also pass an order. .When the case was taken up Advocate General Prabhuling K Navadgi appeared before the court and sought time to place on records the documents sought to be examined. Therefore, the case was adjourned to July 7, 2022. .[Watch Video].Follow Bar and Bench channel on WhatsAppDownload the Bar and Bench Mobile app for instant access to the latest legal news.