Centre gives Madras HC judge till Dec 20 to assume Kerala HC post

The Union government on Friday ordered justice J Nisha Banu of the Madras high court to assume charge at the Kerala high court on or before December 20, escalating a twomonth standoff triggered by the judge's refusal to take up her new post despite a transfer notification issued in October.

- Utkarsh Anand

According to people familiar with the matter, the ultimatum followed a communication from Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, who urged the government to prescribe a firm outer limit for Justice Banu to take charge in Kerala. "CJI Surya Kant wrote to the Union law minister earlier this week, seeking the President's intervention," one of the persons cited above said. The letter, the person said, specifically requested that the government fix a clear deadline for Justice Banu to assume her new post.