DHCBA Writes To CJI Over Transfer Of Delhi HC Judges, Calls For Transparency

The Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA) has written to Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai and the Supreme Court collegium, raising concern over the “alarming frequency” of judicial transfers from the Delhi High Court.

In its letter dated September 1, 2025, the Bar body called for greater transparency and wider consultation in the process of judicial appointments and transfers, saying this would “not only strengthen the faith of the legal fraternity but also enhance public confidence in the judiciary.”

Citing the recent spate of transfers of judges from the Delhi High Court to other jurisdictions, the Association said the development had caused unease both within the institution and among members of the Bar.

“Judges who have risen through the ranks of the Bar carry with them an invaluable understanding of the pulse of the city and its courts,” the Association said, while also stressing the importance of judicial continuity.

Recalling that the constitutional framework, along with established conventions, envisages the elevation of practising advocates to the High Courts, the letter said,” This framework recognises the Bar as a vital reservoir from which the Bench draws its strength, thereby affirming the Bar's role as an indispensable stakeholder in the process of judicial appointments. “

It has long been the tradition of all High Courts, the Bar body said, to elevate distinguished members of their own Bar to the Bench, reflecting the wisdom of constitutional principles and longstanding convention. However, it pointed to a growing perception that members of the Delhi High Court Bar are being overlooked for judicial appointments.

“Nearly one-third of the strength of the Bench today comprises judges from other jurisdictions, while our own members remain unconsidered. This widening gap between the Bench and the lived experience of litigants in Delhi is a cause for concern,” the letter added.

The DHCBA said that if such a perception is left unaddressed, it risks eroding the morale of the Bar as well as diminishing faith in the established processes of judicial elevation and transfer. The letter stated that the Delhi High Court, being the custodian of justice in the Capital, requires stability, continuity, and the confidence of both the Bench and the Bar to discharge its duties effectively.

While acknowledging that the power of appointment and transfers vests exclusively with the collegium, the letter added that it remains a fact that the Bar is an equal stakeholder in the administration of justice. Yet for reasons unknown, it said, the Bar is invariably kept in the dark when crucial decisions regarding elevation and transfers of Justices are made.

The letter comes against the backdrop of the Supreme Court Collegium’s recent recommendations to transfer Justice Arun Monga to the Rajasthan High Court and Justice Tara Vitasta Ganju to the Karnataka High Court. Both judges were appointed to the Delhi High Court earlier this year and, in a short time, reportedly earned the respect of the Bar and litigants alike for their judicial approach.

Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court has seen several new appointments in recent weeks. On July 24, three judicial officers were sworn in as High Court judges, followed by the oath-taking of six additional judges on July 21. 

Letter: Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA)

Date: 1 September 2025