HimVani
Shimla: According to media reports, the Indian law ministry has reportedly decided to keep on hold a recommendation of the Supreme Court collegium to transfer Himachal Pradesh Chief Justice Kurian Joseph to the Jharkhand High Court.
Media reports today quoting source in the law ministry said that law minister M Veerappa Moily in a two-page letter to the CJI has pointed out that it would not be correct to transfer Justice Joseph within a short time after being sworn in as the chief justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court on February 8. However, two separate press releases issued today by the ministry mentioned appointment of some judges, but did not highlight any such transfer which showed that the transfer has been withheld, as claimed in media reports.
Moreover, Himachal Pradesh High Court Bar Association had opposed the move of transfer of Justice Kurian Joseph. On Thursday, more than 300 lawyers from HP High Court Bar Association unanimously resolved to oppose the transfer of Justice Joseph. The members claimed that the system in Himachal Pradesh High Court was in order and any move of transferring the chief justice was uncalled for.
Members of the bar association have also sent a copy of their resolution to the President, Prime Minister and Chief Justice of India, minister of law and the Supreme Court Colegium requesting to keep the high court setup intact.
