SC Collegium Recalls Proposal To Transfer Justice Muralidhar To Madras HC, Reiterates Transfer Of Justice T Raja To Rajasthan HC

The Supreme Court Collegium has recalled the resolution recommending the transfer of Dr Justice S Muralidhar, Chief Justice of the Orissa High Court to the Madras High Court.

The Supreme Court Collegium noted that the above recommendation has remained pending with the Central Government since September 2022 without any response. It has been stated that Justice Muralidhar demits office on August 7, 2023 and in view of the delay, the resolution recommending the transfer of Dr Justice S Muralidhar is recalled to facilitate the appointment of a permanent Chief Justice in the Madras High Court by the appointment of Justice S V Gangapurwala as its Chief Justice.

“The Collegium resolved on 28 September 2022 to transfer Dr Justice S Muralidhar, Chief Justice of the High Court of Orissa to the Madras High Court. The recommendation has remained pending with the Government of India since then without any response”

“In view of this delay, the resolution recommending the transfer of Dr Justice S Muralidhar is recalled to facilitate the appointment of a permanent Chief Justice in the Madras High Court by the appointment of Justice S V Gangapurwala as its Chief Justice, as the High Court has remained without a permanent Chief Justice for more than 6 months.”, the Collegium resolution read.

The Supreme Court Collegium has also reiterated its earlier recommendation regarding the transfer of Justice T Raja as a Judge of the Rajasthan High Court. The statement clarifies that the continuation of Justice T Raja even as a Judge of the Madras High Court cannot be an impediment to the appointment of Justice S V Gangapurwala as the Chief Justice of the Madras High Court.

Justice T Raja is the seniormost puisne Judge of the Madras High Court. The Collegium had proposed the transfer of Justice T Raja as a Judge of the Rajasthan High Court. Justice T Raja had sought reconsideration of his transfer. Upon reconsideration, the Collegium affirmed its earlier decision to transfer him as a Judge of the Rajasthan High Court.

“The Collegium resolves that the transfer of Justice T Raja as a Judge of the High Court of Rajasthan be effectuated at the earliest.”, the Collegium Resolution read.

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