Frequent transfers of Principal Dist, Sessions Judges impacting court efficiency

Mysuru
Concerns have been raised among legal experts over the frequent transfers of Principal District and Sessions Judges in Mysuru, with many suggesting that such changes disrupt judicial administration and delay case resolutions. The recent transfer of Ravindra Hegde, appointed in May 2023 as Principal District and Sessions Judge, has highlighted these concerns. After just six months in the role, Hegde was transferred to the High Court as Registrar (Vigilance), leaving the position vacant, with no replacement yet appointed.
This transfer is part of a pattern observed over recent years, where judges in Mysuru have often served only short tenures before being transferred or promoted. Since 1994, 19 Principal District and Sessions Judges have served in Mysuru, with only a few completing three-year terms. Legal professionals argue that such frequent transfers hinder judicial continuity and slow down case management, affecting the district’s judicial efficiency.
The District Court in Mysuru, operational since 1879, currently has approximately 1,660 cases pending. Legal experts believe that if judges were allowed to serve for at least three years, judicial efficiency could improve, and case backlogs would reduce. According to advocates, frequent transfers lead to wasted time, as new judges must review case details and hear arguments from the beginning. They emphasize that stable tenures would allow judges to better understand ongoing cases, enhancing judicial administration and supporting a more efficient judicial process in the district.