The Kerala High Court Advocates’ Association (KHCAA) has formally moved to demand the transfer of Justice A Badharudeen, citing concerns over his interactions with lawyers.
Tensions reached a peak following a March 6 courtroom incident involving advocate Saritha Thomas, who had requested additional time to change vakalath following her husband’s passing in January. Justice Badharudeen’s alleged response reportedly left her in tears, sparking outrage within the legal community.
On Friday, KHCAA boycotted the judge’s court, rejecting his offer to apologize privately in chambers. Instead, the association insisted on a public apology, bringing the matter before the Chief Justice. Over the weekend, the Chief Justice met with key stakeholders, including senior judges, advocate Saritha Thomas, and Senior Advocate George Poonthottam, who had initially pushed for KHCAA’s boycott resolution.
Following the meeting, Thomas wrote to KHCAA requesting that the association de-escalate the situation, stating that Justice Badharudeen had expressed regret in the presence of the Chief Justice and senior legal figures. However, KHCAA President Yeshwanth Shenoy, who was absent from the discussions, later criticized the meeting’s decisions, advancing the general body meeting originally scheduled for Monday afternoon to an earlier time.
Despite courtroom proceedings resuming, KHCAA proceeded with its resolution, officially calling for Justice Badharudeen’s transfer. The association also reiterated its demand for mandatory video recording of court proceedings, warning of a complete court boycott if the demand is ignored.
In a further twist, KHCAA has also taken steps to suspend Senior Advocate George Poonthottam, citing his engagement with the Chief Justice without prior approval from the association. While no official notice has been issued yet, sources confirm that disciplinary proceedings against him are being considered.
