11-08-2023 : In a sweeping development highlighting the dedication to refining the administration of justice, the Supreme Court Collegium, under the leadership of Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud, has set forth a recommendation for the transfer of 23 High Court judges. This move is poised to bring about a substantial transformation within the judicial landscape, with particular attention drawn to Justice Hemant M Prachchhak from Gujarat, who had notably made headlines for declining to stay the conviction of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
The resolution to this effect, emanating from the collective wisdom of justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Sanjiv Khanna, B R Gavai, and Surya Kant, underscores the Collegium’s determination to bolster the efficacy of justice administration. The decision, a culmination of deliberations held on August 3, 2023, highlights a concerted effort to enhance the judicial system’s operational efficiency.
Among the distinguished names marked for transfer are a range of accomplished judges, each with distinctive affiliations to different High Courts. Justice Vivek Kumar Singh, currently at the Allahabad High Court, has been proposed for transfer to the Madras High Court. Similarly, Justice Alpesh Y Kogje’s potential transition from the Gujarat High Court to the Allahabad High Court reflects the Collegium’s commitment to optimal utilization of judicial resources.
Justice Kumari Gita Gopi, another respected jurist, could find herself moving from the Gujarat High Court to the Madras High Court, ushering in a seamless exchange of skills and perspectives. Meanwhile, Justice Hemant M Prachchhak, a prominent figure in Gujarat’s judicial landscape, is envisioned to transition from the Gujarat High Court to the Patna High Court.
Further changes encompass the potential transfer of Justice Samir J Dave from the Gujarat High Court to the Rajasthan High Court. Justice Arvind Singh Sangwan might journey from the Punjab and Haryana High Court to the Allahabad High Court, while Justice Avneesh Jhingan could embark on a transition from the Punjab and Haryana High Court to the Gujarat High Court.
The list of proposed transfers continues with Justice Raj Mohan Singh’s potential move from the Punjab and Haryana High Court to the Madhya Pradesh High Court. Similarly, Justice Arun Monga might transition from the Punjab and Haryana High Court to the Rajasthan High Court.
These transformative endeavors also encompass a separate resolution that outlines the proposed transfer of Justice Prakash Padia from the High Court of Judicature at Allahabad to the High Court of Jharkhand, in the interest of achieving more effective administration of justice.
The Collegium’s dedication to judicial efficiency is further evident in its resolution regarding Justice C Manavendranath Roy. The proposed transfer, from the High Court of Andhra Pradesh to the High Court of Gujarat, demonstrates a commitment to optimizing judicial resources.
In a series of separate resolutions, the Collegium also contemplates the transfer of several other esteemed judges. The comprehensive approach underscores the judiciary’s commitment to delivering justice more efficiently and broadly across the nation.