Gujarat High Court Erupts: Lawyers Stand Firm Against Justice Kariel's Controversial Transfer

A wave of unwavering defiance continues to ripple through the Gujarat High Court as its legal fraternity steadfastly abstains from work. For days, courtrooms have echoed with an unusual silence, a stark manifestation of the lawyers' collective outrage against the proposed transfer of one of their highly respected judges, Justice Nikhil Kariel.

The genesis of this significant disruption lies in the Supreme Court Collegium's recommendation to relocate Justice Kariel from the Gujarat High Court to the Patna High Court.

This move has been met with fierce resistance, igniting a powerful protest that underscores deep concerns within the legal community regarding judicial transfers and their perceived lack of transparency or justification.

The Gujarat High Court Advocates' Association (GHCAA) has emerged as the spearhead of this movement, passing a unanimous resolution to oppose the transfer vehemently.

Their stance is clear: Justice Kariel's transfer is seen as arbitrary and detrimental, given his outstanding contributions and deep roots within the Gujarat judiciary. The lawyers argue that such transfers, especially when lacking clear reasons, can undermine judicial independence and impact the morale of judges.

Adding to the intensity, the Chief Justice of India, D.Y.

Chandrachud, recently paid a visit to Gujarat, coinciding with the peak of this judicial unrest. While the specifics of discussions regarding Justice Kariel's transfer remain private, the timing undoubtedly casts a spotlight on the sensitive issue and the Supreme Court's awareness of the growing discontent.

This isn't an isolated incident; judicial transfers have historically been points of contention, often leading to similar protests across various High Courts.

The prolonged abstention from work by the lawyers has brought legal proceedings to a virtual standstill, causing significant inconvenience to litigants and delaying justice.

The very fabric of daily court operations has been disrupted, highlighting the profound impact of the legal community's united front. This disruption serves as a potent reminder of the power of collective action when perceived injustices occur within the judicial system.

Lawyers involved in the protest articulate a strong belief that Justice Kariel’s transfer is neither in the public interest nor based on sound administrative principles.

They contend that his transfer appears to be punitive, potentially for decisions or stances he has taken during his tenure, although no official reason has been provided. This lack of transparency fuels speculation and bolstered their resolve to resist what they deem an unfair decision.

The demand from the Gujarat legal fraternity is unequivocal: the Supreme Court Collegium must reconsider and ultimately recall the transfer order for Justice Nikhil Kariel.

Until then, the silent protest in the courtrooms of the Gujarat High Court is set to continue, a powerful testament to the legal community's determination to uphold what they perceive as justice, not just for an individual judge, but for the broader principles of judicial independence and fairness.