In a dramatic and probably unprecedented event, a sitting judge of the Madras High Court stunned the legal fraternity on Wednesday when he stormed into the court hall to appear before a special bench.

The bench was hearing a PIL seeking withdrawal of names recommended for appointment as additional judges. He said the selection was “not fair”.

“This selection is not fair. I will file an affidavit against it in my own name. I am also a part of the judiciary. Please note it down,” Justice C S Karnan shouted and walked out of the court hall even before the two judges could barely comprehend as to what was happening.

As many as 13 vacancies exist in the 60-judge Madras High Court. The high court collegium has recommended 12 names for appointments as additional judges. The list reportedly contains names of three advocates from upper castes.

The choice of names has triggered widespread protest among lawyers, and the Madras High Court Advocates Association had called for one-day court boycott on Wednesday. Nearly 15,000 advocates stayed away from work.

The advocates only allowed proceedings in the appointment of new judges case.
 In another development, a division bench of the Madras High Court directed the Government of India to maintain the status quo on the issue of appointment of additional judges.