Advocates protest Telangana high court judge's transfer to Patna

HYDERABAD: Upset over a move by the Supreme Court collegium to transfer Justice Abhishek Reddy from the state high court to Patna high court, the Telangana high court advocates assocation has appealed to all lawyers in subordinate courts, district courts and the state to abstain from work in protest against the collegium's decision.Association president V Raghunath said their general body met at the high court on Thursday after the news about transfer of Justice came and decided to abstain from work from the afternoon. Asserting that their protests would continue till the decision to transfer the judge was rescinded, he said the meeting had unanimously described the transfer as 'uncalled for' and which adversely affects the morale and independent functioning of judges. "Our association has been repeatedly urging the authorities in Delhi to make guidelines for transfer of judges. This pick and choose method would demoralise good judges," he said. He said the judges will not be able to work in a fearless and independent manner if these abrupt transfers are not stopped. He also said scores of advocates from the high court were feeling agitated over the decision. The advocates gathered at the high cout main gate and stated a demonstration at 3pm. "Why should an upright judge like Justice Abhishek be shifted out from Telangana," a lawyer wondered. They said there was a pattern to shunt out Telangana local judges from the high court. State bar council chairman A Narasimha Reddy also condemned the decision to transfer Justice Abhishek. He appealed to the authorities at the Supreme Court to reconsider the decision. He said Justice Abhishek had been rendering effective and speedy justice to people and helpful to the authorities in rendering faster disposal of cases.However, the SC collegium which has recommended more changes did not upload any of the decisions on its website till late on Thursday.