The Kerala High Court Bar Association expressed serious concerns about a WhatsApp group allegedly leaking court orders and confidential news related to the Collegium. The group reportedly includes judges among its members, raising questions about the sanctity of judicial processes. The association emphasized the need for an investigation into the breach of confidentiality.
The Kerala High Court Advocates’ Association (KHCAA) expressed serious concerns regarding the alleged leaking of sensitive judicial information through a WhatsApp group for lawyers called ‘Lawyers News Network.’
In a formal complaint to Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar, the association pointed out that this group comprises not only lawyers but also judges and journalists, and has been a source of premature disclosures of court orders and collegium recommendations.
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The KHCAA urgently requested Chief Justice Jamdar to take swift action to prevent such breaches, which they consider threats to judicial integrity. According to the association, certain court orders and administrative decisions were shared within the group before they were officially published on the court’s website.
The letter to the Chief Justice stated,
“This leakage undermines the sanctity of our judicial processes and the confidentiality required within our legal system,”
The letter also mentioned that, after being alerted by the KHCAA, all High Court judges who were part of the group have since exited. However, the association remains concerned about the involvement of other judicial figures, such as district judges and tribunal members, indicating a broader issue within the judiciary.
Specifically, the letter highlighted judicial officer Viveeja Sethumohan, noting her participation in the group during a previous controversy when she served as Chief Judicial Magistrate in Kottayam. The association accused her of inappropriately monitoring discussions among lawyers, labelling her actions as “treachery.”
Additionally, the KHCAA identified several journalists from major media outlets as members of the group, questioning the appropriateness of their involvement in light of the leaks. The association is contemplating escalating the matter to the Chief Justice of India, seeking a comprehensive review of judicial conduct and ethics.
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This complaint follows a recent incident at the KHCAA’s annual day event, which the association claims was misrepresented by certain media channels to damage the reputation of the legal community. The fallout from this event has already resulted in disciplinary actions against three lawyers identified as primary agitators.
The KHCAA’s letter stressed the necessity for improved judicial communication practices, stating,
“Such incidents highlight the need for stricter controls and protocols around judicial communication to maintain public trust in our legal system.”
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