Jharkhand High Court Advocates Association Passes Resolution Opposing Appointment Of 'Outside Candidates' As High Court Judges

The Jharkhand High Court Advocates' Association (JHCAA) has reiterated its strong opposition to the appointment of "outside candidates" and "non-regular practitioners" as judges of the Jharkhand High Court.

In a letter dated February 27, 2025, addressed to the Chief Justice and two Seniormost Judges of the High Court, the Association urged the Collegium to prioritize local Advocates for judicial appointments. The letter is based on a resolution passed by the Association, supported by around 500 of its members.

Association’s Concerns and Justification

The Association emphasized that there are numerous talented and experienced advocates within the Jharkhand Bar who possess the requisite legal expertise, deep understanding of local issues, and commitment to the administration of justice. The letter expressed concerns that appointing candidates from outside would undermine local talent and adversely impact the judiciary’s efficiency in addressing unique legal challenges.

"Our Association has consistently maintained that there are numerous talented and experienced advocates within our Bar who possess the requisite qualifications, expertise, and deep understanding of local issues to serve as Judges of this Hon'ble Court. The appointment of outside candidates would not only overlook the merit and experience of our local legal fraternity but would also adversely impact the efficient administration of justice in our state," the letter reads.

The Association further stressed that local advocates have dedicated decades to serving litigants and the justice delivery system, acquiring intimate knowledge of Jharkhand’s laws, customs, and socio-legal fabric—a crucial aspect in ensuring fair and contextually appropriate justice. "We wish to emphasize that our members have dedicated decades of their profession to the service of the litigants and justice delivery system and also have intimate knowledge of local laws, customs, and the socio-legal fabric of Jharkhand. This understanding is crucial for delivering justice that is both fair and contextually appropriate," it said.

Resolution Passed, 500 Signatures Collected

In support of its stand, the Advocates' Association passed a resolution on February 27, 2025, reaffirming an earlier resolution dated June 29, 2016, opposing such appointments. The latest resolution, backed by 500 members' signatures, vows to oppose the appointment of outside candidates through all legitimate and legal means.

The Association urged the Hon'ble Collegium to respect the decision of the General Body and ensure that deserving local candidates are given preference.

"The Advocates Association has taken resolution today by taking the signature of about 500 members to oppose such appointments through all legitimate and legal means at our disposal and re-iterates as well as approves its earlier resolution dated 29.06.2016 passed by the General Body on the same matter. We request the Hon'ble Collegium to respect the decision of the General Body and give due consideration to the deserving candidates from within our Bar," the letter reads.

Call for Constructive Dialogue

Clarifying that its opposition is not rooted in prejudice but rather in its commitment to justice and the interests of Jharkhand’s legal fraternity, the Association expressed its willingness for a constructive dialogue with the judiciary on this matter. It also sought an opportunity to present its detailed submissions before the appropriate forum.

"Our opposition stems not from any prejudice but from our commitment to upholding the interests of justice and the legal fraternity of Jharkhand. We remain open to constructive dialogue on this matter and would welcome an opportunity ot present our detailed submissions before the appropriate forum," the letter states.