Centre notifies transfer of two Gujarat High Court judges

The Centre has notified the transfer of two judges – Justice Sandeep Bhatt and Justice C M Roy of Gujarat High Court to Madhya Pradesh High Court and Andhra Pradesh High Court, respectively. Justice Roy is transferred back to his parent high court that is Andhra Pradesh High Court, from where he was transferred to Gujarat High Court in November 2023.

The Central government has notified the transfer of 11 high court judges to various high courts across the country.

The Supreme Court Collegium meeting held on August 25 and 26 recommended transfer of 14 high court judges. Two judges were from Gujarat High Court. After this the Gujarat High Court Advocates Association (GHCAA) had opposed the transfer recommendation of Justice Sandeep Bhatt and had urged CJI B R Gavai to reconsider the proposal on August 26, this year.

The GHCAA in August had announced an indefinite boycott of court proceedings, protesting the proposed transfer of Justice Sandeep N Bhatt. The decision was made during a meeting attended by over 500 lawyers, reflecting widespread discontent within Gujarat’s legal community. Justice Bhatt, known for his efforts to enhance transparency in the judiciary, had ordered the installation of CCTV cameras across court registries and scrutinised registry operations. His strict measures were widely regarded as essential for improving accountability and streamlining administrative processes in the high court.

The Supreme Court had proposed the transfer of 14 High Court judges nationwide. Justice Bhatt is slated for transfer to the Madhya Pradesh High Court, while Justice C M Roy was proposed to move to the Andhra Pradesh High Court. The decision had provoked sharp opposition in Gujarat’s judicial circles.