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Who Is Justice Nisha Bano: Justice J. Nisha Bano did not join Kerala High Court even after two months of transfer. After the uproar in Parliament, the Law Ministry has issued a notice on behalf of President Draupadi Murmu. In this, he has been given strict instructions to assume charge on or before December 20.
Madras High Court Judge Nisha Bano: Madras High Court judge Justice J. Nisha Bano did not take charge despite transfer. On Saturday, the Law Ministry issued strict instructions on behalf of President Draupadi Murmu that she should take charge in the Kerala High Court on or before December 20. Despite the Central Government’s notification of October 14, 2025, Justice Bano did not take the transfer in more than two months, which gave rise to a controversy. The Law Ministry said that the President issued this order after consultation with the Chief Justice of India. After his transfer, his post in Madras High Court has become vacant.
Who is Nisha Bano?
Justice J. Nisha Bano is a permanent judge of Madras High Court. His transfer was done under Article 217(1)(c) of the Constitution. On the reasons for the delay, Justice Bano told a newspaper last month that she had sought leave for her son’s marriage. He also said that he had also demanded reconsideration of the transfer. But, due to her not assuming charge, uneasiness increased in the Kerala High Court Bar Association, because she was working in the Madras High Court.
When was the notification issued?
Madras High Court Judge Bano was transferred by the Central Government 2 months ago i.e. on 14 October. Despite the issuance of the notification, he did not take charge in the Kerala High Court but continued working in the Madras HC.
matter raised in parliament
This matter was raised in the Lok Sabha during the winter session of Parliament. Congress MP KM Sudha R raised the question on 13 December. He said whether Justice Bano is still a part of the Madras High Court Collegium? Did he sign the recommendation for appointment of judges? Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal explained the constitutional provisions, but did not give a correct answer. He underlined the constitutional and procedural framework in his reply.
many questions arose
Delay in transfer has raised questions on the judicial system. Experts say that transfer of judges is necessary for an independent judiciary, but delay due to personal reasons can be considered as indiscipline. This instruction of the President is a message to the judges that following the transfer order is mandatory. Now all eyes are on whether Justice Bano joins the Kerala High Court by December 20 or not.
