Major Reshuffle in Andhra, Telangana HC; CJs shifted

Approach of Art.136 Cannot Be Adopted While Deciding Petitions by The High Court Under Art.227: SC

The Supreme Court of India has decided to recommend the transfer of the Andhra Pradesh Chief Justice to JK Maheshwari to the High Court of Sikkim. This came in after the Andhra Pradhesh HC had ordered an inquiry on matters related to aspersing the Judiciary via Social Media posts.

The Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy wrote to the Chief Justice of India regarding restoration of neutrality of the High Court. The said letter was condemned in the legal circles and several Advocates’ Associations had passed resolutions against the CM’s letter. Many termed it as an attempt to vilify the judiciary. This letter was written after bench led by  Justice Ramana sought an action plan to deal with trials against the politicians and their completion  within a year.

The recommendation of transfer was given by the collegium headed by the CJI SA Bobde on 15th December, 2020. JK Maheshwari is to head and join as the Chief Justice of Sikkim HC which has the sanctioned strength of 3 judges. 

Also, the transfer of Chief Justice of Telangana RS Chauhan to CJ of High Court of Uttarakhand was recommended. Currently, Justice Ravi Malimath is the acting Chief Justice of Uttarakhand HC. 

Further, for appointment of Telangana HC’s Chief Justice, Justice Hima Kohli’s name has been recommended.