Supreme Court Justice Ujjal Bhuyan expressed worries about the perceived weakening of judicial independence due to a recent High Court judge transfer influenced by the Executive. Speaking at an event in Pune, Justice Bhuyan questioned the rationale behind moving a judge to another court for delivering inconvenient rulings against the government. He emphasized that the Executive should not interfere in judicial transfer and posting decisions.
Highlighting the importance of maintaining judicial independence as a fundamental aspect of the Constitution, Justice Bhuyan criticized the use of transfers as a means to penalize judges. He raised concerns over a recent Collegium decision that altered a judge’s transfer proposal following a request from the Central government, citing it as an intrusion of Executive influence into the judiciary’s independent processes.
Justice Bhuyan, without naming specific individuals, referenced a past incident where a judge’s transfer proposal was modified at the government’s request. He emphasized the need for Collegium members and judges to uphold their duties without bias, emphasizing the judiciary’s commitment to the Constitution and the integrity of the judicial system.
