The Central Government has notified the transfer of seven High Court judges, including four from the Karnataka High Court. This decision follows recommendations made by the Supreme Court Collegium in April 2025, aiming to promote inclusivity and diversity within the judiciary.

Judges Transferred from Karnataka High Court

The four Karnataka High Court judges transferred are:

1. Justice Krishna S Dixit
2. Justice K Natarajan
3. Justice Hemant Chandangoudar
4. Justice Hemant Choudhary

These transfers are part of a broader initiative to strengthen the judicial system by rotating judges across various High Courts.

Reactions and Protests

The transfer of these judges has sparked protests from the local bar associations. Advocates in Bengaluru staged a boycott of court proceedings, expressing concerns over the timing and transparency of the transfer process. They argue that such decisions should involve consultations with the state bar councils to ensure fairness and maintain the integrity of the judicial system.

In response to these protests, the Karnataka Bar Council has called for a meeting to discuss the issue and formulate a collective response. The Council emphasizes the importance of judicial independence and the need for a more consultative approach in judicial appointments and transfers.

Broader Context

This move is part of a series of judicial transfers across the country, including judges from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, as part of the Supreme Court Collegium’s recommendations. The objective is to ensure a balanced representation of judges from diverse backgrounds and regions, thereby enhancing the inclusivity and effectiveness of the judiciary.

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