Judge Defies Norms: Hearing Cases in Old Court Even After Transfer to New High Court

Hyderabad ( The Uttam Hindu): A shocking case has come to light in the history of judiciary, where a judge is continuously hearing cases in his old court instead of taking charge in the new court even after two weeks of his transfer order. This case is of Telangana High Court, where judge Justice T. Vinod Kumar has been transferred to Madras High Court, but he has not yet taken up his new responsibility.

The Supreme Court Collegium had recommended the transfer of 22 judges on May 26. On this, the Central Government had issued a notification for the transfer of 19 judges on July 14, which also included the name of Justice T. Vinod Kumar. Surprisingly, the other 18 judges transferred along with him have taken charge in their new courts, but Justice Kumar is still making his presence felt in the Telangana High Court.

According to a report by “Bar and Bench”, this situation is extremely unusual, as usually judges move to their new postings within a day or two of the transfer order being issued. Statistics on the Telangana High Court website also confirm that Justice Kumar has heard several cases even after his transfer. According to the report, he also came to the court on Monday and also delivered judgments in some previously reserved cases.

On this whole matter, Telangana High Court Registrar S. Govardhan Reddy has also confirmed that Justice Kumar is coming to the court. He said, "We have not been given any information from Lordship (judge). As you said, Sir is coming... We have no information about Lordship's continuous work." Justice Kumar has not yet given any reason why he has not taken charge in the Madras High Court.

Justice Kumar started his career as a lawyer in 1988 and was appointed a judge in the Telangana High Court in August 2019. His move has sparked a new debate in the judicial corridors.