DHCBA Expresses Concerns to CJI, Collegium Over Transfer of Delhi High Court Judges
- Kashak Agarwala
- 01 SEPTEMBER 2025
Introduction
The Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA) has written to Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai and the Supreme Court Collegium, raising objections to the recent transfer of judges from the Delhi High Court. The Bar Association flagged issues of transparency, judicial continuity, and the marginalization of local lawyers in the elevation process.
Doubts of the Bar Association
Unease Over Transfers
In its letter dated September 1, the DHCBA said that the recent judicial transfers have created unease not only among practicing lawyers but also within the institution itself.
Demand for Transparency
The Association demanded greater transparency and consultation in judicial appointments and transfers, arguing that secrecy undermines confidence in the system.
Significance of Judicial Continuity
Judges who rise from the Delhi Bar bring unique insights into the capital’s legal ecosystem.
Their presence strengthens trust between the Bench and the Bar.
Arbitrary transfers, DHCBA said, dilute this judicial continuity.
Disregarding Local Elevation
The Association highlighted concerns that lawyers from the Delhi Bar are being overlooked for elevation.
Currently, one-third of the Delhi High Court judges belong to other jurisdictions.
This, DHCBA warned, could widen the divide between the Bench and litigants’ lived experiences in Delhi.
Threat to Telesom* and Trust in the System
(*likely intended as “Telesis” or “Telos” in source — i.e., long-term purpose/stability)
DHCBA cautioned that unchecked transfer patterns could:
Erode the morale of the Bar.
Weaken trust in the judicial appointment system.
Undermine the stability and continuity needed for the effective functioning of the High Court.
Recent Transfers in Focus
The Collegium recently recommended the transfer of two judges from the Delhi High Court:
Justice Tara Vitasta Ganju → transferred to Calcutta High Court.
Justice Arun Monga → transferred to Rajasthan High Court.
Notably, Justice Monga’s transfer came barely a month after his oath-taking in July 2025, when he joined five other judges elevated from across India.
Conclusion
DHCBA concluded that the Delhi High Court, as the custodian of justice in the nation’s capital, requires stability, continuity, and mutual confidence between the Bench and the Bar. Without this, the association warned, public trust in judicial processes could erode.
