Fifty Madras High Court lawyers have written to the President of India, alleging judicial indiscipline by Justice Nisha Banu for not joining the Kerala High Court after her transfer, calling the delay arrogant and damaging to judicial integrity.
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CHENNAI: A group of fifty lawyers from the Madras High Court has written to the President of India, expressing concern over Justice Nisha Banu’s delay in assuming charge at the Kerala High Court, to which she was transferred by the Supreme Court Collegium earlier this year.
The letter, addressed to the President and Vice President of India, Chief Justice of India, several Supreme Court judges, and other constitutional authorities, alleges that Justice Banu has not joined her new posting in Kerala despite the Central Government notifying the transfer on October 15, 2025.
Supreme Court Collegium Transfer and Controversy
On August 27, 2025, the Supreme Court Collegium recommended the transfer of Justice Nisha Banu from the Madras High Court to the Kerala High Court, along with 13 other judges from across India. The transfer was formally accepted by the Union Government on October 15.
However, according to the lawyers’ letter, Justice Banu has not taken charge at the Kerala High Court and has also ceased attending judicial duties at the Madras High Court since October 14, 2025.
Objections by the Madurai Bar
Earlier, the Bar Associations of the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court had written to the Chief Justice of India and the President of India, objecting to the transfer. The Bar noted that Justice Banu currently ranks third in seniority and is a member of the Madras High Court Collegium, but the move to Kerala would place her ninth in seniority, significantly impacting her standing.
The Bar’s letter, dated October 22, 2025, had requested reconsideration of the transfer on grounds of fairness and seniority.
Allegations of Delay and “Judicial Indiscipline”
In the latest letter, the 50 lawyers allege that Justice Banu is intentionally delaying her joining to retain her position in the Madras High Court Collegium. They argue that while other judges transferred around the same time, including from the Delhi High Court, have already joined their new postings and taken oath, Justice Banu’s delay exceeds the usual transition period of about a week.
The letter states:
“It is most unfortunate that this kind of judicial indiscipline and arrogance is on full stellar display by a sitting High Court Judge.”
The signatories further add that the Judge’s conduct has tarnished the reputation of the Madras High Court, though they clarify that their representation is made “without any personal animosity.”
The lawyers have requested the President of India and other authorities to take immediate steps to relieve Justice Nisha Banu from the Madras High Court “in the interests of justice and fair play.”
Copies of the letter have been sent to:
- Vice President of India
- Chief Justice of India
- Supreme Court Judges, Justice Surya Kant, Justice Vikram Nath, Justice J.K. Maheshwari, Justice B.V. Nagarathna, Justice M.M. Sundresh
- Chief Justices of the Madras and Kerala High Courts
- Union Law Minister
- Governors of Tamil Nadu and Kerala
- Lok Sabha Speaker and Deputy Chairperson of Rajya Sabha