A group of practising advocates from the Madras High Court have submitted a written petition to top constitutional authorities, objecting to Justice Nisha Banu’s continued presence in Chennai despite her transfer to the Kerala High Court being formally notified by the Union Government on 14 October 2025.
The representation, addressed to the President of India, the Chief Justice of India, the Law Minister, and the Chief Justices of both High Courts, termed the situation “unprecedented” and expressed concern that a sitting judge had not yet assumed charge in the transferee court even after more than three weeks of the official notification.
The advocates pointed out that the Supreme Court Collegium had recommended Justice Banu’s transfer from the Madras High Court to the Kerala High Court through a resolution dated 25–26 August 2025, which was subsequently accepted and notified by the Central Government. They claimed that while other judges included in the same transfer list had already taken charge in their respective High Courts, Justice Banu had allegedly neither joined the Kerala High Court nor resumed work in Chennai since 14 October 2025.
Calling the situation “a matter of judicial discipline,” the petitioners urged the Collegium and the President of India to intervene and ensure that the transfer was implemented without delay. They emphasised that their objection was “not personal,” but stemmed from concern that such instances could “undermine the image and majesty of the judiciary.”
Justice Nisha Banu, a native of Nagercoil, was appointed as a judge of the Madras High Court in 2016 after a long career practising in civil, criminal, and service law. She earned her law degree from Madurai Law College and was part of the Madurai Bench of the High Court following its establishment in 2004.
As per the same transfer order dated 14 October 2025, Justice C.S. Sudha of the Kerala High Court was moved to the Delhi High Court, where she has since assumed charge.
Officials at the Madras High Court and the Kerala High Court have not issued any formal comment regarding the matter.
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