The Kerala High Court witnessed an unprecedented rupture on 14 November 2025, when almost the entire Bench collectively abstained from the Annual Day celebrations of the Kerala High Court Advocates’ Association (KHCAA).

The Controversy:

At the heart of the disagreement lies what KHCAA President Adv. Yeshwanth Shenoy describes in his letter to the Hon'ble Chief Justice of High Court of Kerala as a perceived “unionisation of Judges”- a coordinated act by almost 30 judges, (excepting the three Judges who attended and a few who had genuine reasons to keep away) undermining the independence of the judiciary and shaking the Bar's confidence in the institution.

Shenoy notes that when judges make decisions collectively in this manner, it creates deep distrust among lawyers. Many in the Bar now doubt whether justice can truly be delivered impartially if Judges appear to act as a single bloc instead of independently. This impression of a unified front among Judges is seen as a serious violation of the six core judicial values: independence, impartiality, integrity, propriety, equality, and competence and diligence.

"Never before in the history of this Judicial Institution has this happened. The perceived ‘unionisation' of Judges has deeply affected the perception of the members of the Bar in the ability of the Judges to be independent or impartial. Without a fiercely Independent Bar, you cannot have an independent Judiciary."

According to the President, this was not an isolated incident but the culmination of repeated concerns about Judicial interference in Bar affairs. “The interference of the Judges into the affairs of the Association is so clear because the message to the Bar was simple - Change your leadership or else we will boycott the Association”

The letter raises ethical concerns about judges’ family members—such as spouses, children, and other relatives—who are involved in legal practice before the courts. It also highlights that some law firms are linked to judges, sometimes even sharing the judges’ names, which creates doubts about the fairness of the judicial process. Shenoy questions whether judges should allow law firms to use their reputations and also criticizes the growing trend of judges influencing Bar politics.

The letter further points to deeper systemic problems, including allegations that judges choose specific lawyers for committees and welfare bodies, the strong influence of lobby groups like the Kerala Federation of Women Lawyers (KFWL), interference with IT systems such as altering final judgments, and a general lack of transparency and fairness in how legal services and support agencies connected to the High Court are run.

Shenoy highlighted, “Recently the most shocking one, the replacement of final judgments after the same is pronounced, uploaded and the certified copy issued. Inquiry established that some of the Judgments have been changed to upto 5 times. If lobby system exists and the IT systems are manipulated, it is a deadly cocktail that could torpedo the Judicial Institution itself.”

He says that the bitterness caused by judges acting together in this way is a problem the judiciary has created for itself, and it harms the institution. He urges judges to reflect on their actions and rebuild trust with the Bar. He argues that judges should earn respect through trust, not fear, and reminds them that respect gained honestly lasts, while respect based only on power fades once that power is gone.

The letter urges the Bar to remain united and protect its independence, instead of bowing to pressure from judges. It says the Bar is the “mother of the judiciary,” and its respect is essential for maintaining public confidence in the justice system.

“The Bar is the mother of the Judiciary. The respect a Judge gets from the people is fully dependent on the respect the Bar gives to a Judge. A judge who loses the trust and respect of the Bar will soon lose the trust and respect of the People.”

Official Letter - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uqm1S5BS1_MxcwRzMoB4Q2fWNmHXG5uk/view