Justice Atul Sreedharan, known for suo motu action against a Madhya Pradesh Minister, has been transferred from the Madhya Pradesh High Court to the Allahabad High Court, sparking debates on judicial independence and Collegium transparency.
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NEW DELHI: In a statement dated 14th October 2025, the Supreme Court Collegium announced that it has reconsidered the transfer of Justice Atul Sreedharan, a sitting judge of the Madhya Pradesh High Court. Initially, the Collegium had recommended his transfer to the Chhattisgarh High Court. However, after the Government sought reconsideration, the Collegium modified its recommendation, and Justice Sreedharan is now to be transferred to the Allahabad High Court instead.
The official statement, while formally worded and devoid of reasons, has reignited debates about judicial independence, executive influence, and the opaque functioning of the Collegium system.
The Background
Justice Atul Sreedharan recently made headlines for taking suo motu cognisance of a case involving a Madhya Pradesh Minister, who allegedly made slanderous and communal remarks against a woman named Sofia Kureshi.
In an era where many prefer judicial restraint in politically sensitive matters, Justice Sreedharan’s proactive stance drew attention and admiration from sections of the legal community for upholding dignity and constitutional morality.
However, soon after, the Supreme Court intervened in the matter, setting up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and staying the arrest of those involved. For many observers, this move appeared to undermine the High Court’s jurisdiction and the initiative taken by Justice Sreedharan.
Following these events, the Collegium’s decision to transfer Justice Sreedharan has been viewed with suspicion by legal commentators and advocates. A tweet by Advocate Sanjoy Ghose summed up the concern:
“This was the judge who had taken suo motu action against a Madhya Pradesh Minister for using slanderous words against Sofia Kureshi. The SC, for reasons best known, set up a SIT to look into the issue and stayed the arrest! This liberal use of the power to transfer has demoralised many High Court judges who can only suffer and lament in silence!”
The Suo Motu Action
On May 14, the Madhya Pradesh High Court, in a suo motu case led by Justice Atul Sreedharan and Justice Anuradha Shukla, directed the immediate registration of a criminal case against BJP Minister Vijay Shah for allegedly offensive remarks targeting Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. The Court criticized the initial FIR as vague and lacking essential details, emphasizing the need for a proper investigation. Justice
Sreedharan underscored that non-compliance or inadequate action would attract contempt proceedings, highlighting the judiciary’s active oversight to uphold legal accountability and protect national harmony. The case will continue under close monitoring, reflecting the High Court’s commitment to addressing statements that threaten social and religious cohesion.