HC judge sees government hand behind his transfer to Allahabad

Karnataka High Court judge Justice Huluvadi G Ramesh, who has been transferred to the Allahabad High Court, on Friday said he saw a “big conspiracy” and the “government’s hand” in his transfer.

Speaking at the farewell event organised by the Advocates’ Association here, Justice Ramesh, who was in tears, said he had given orders against the State government’s decision during 2006-2007 when the government wanted to acquire 50,000 acres of land to establish industries.He said the government was not just acquiring land but also the lives of farmers. “Instead of a meagre Rs two lakh as compensation, as suggested by the government, I had passed orders that farmers get Rs 50 lakh per acre. This decision was not well taken and I had expected the transfer then. However, the government has taken the decision to transfer me now,” he said.

Justice Ramesh said many government officers had discretionary powers which must be used judiciously. He said a good judgement can be issued in just 10 pages, instead of wasting hundreds of pages.

Advocate General Ravivarma Kumar said although the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill, 2013, had been passed, the commission was yet to be formed. Issuing such transfer orders does create an element of doubt, he said.

Justice Ramesh will report to the Allahabad High Court next week. A judge from that High Court, Justice Vineet Saran, will report to the Karnataka High Court.