The President of the Kerala High Court Advocates’ Association (KHCAA) has written to the Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court expressing deep concern over what he terms a “collective” and “concerted” withdrawal of judges from the KHCAA Annual Day 2025. The letter alleges that the coordinated absence of nearly all judges barring three has been perceived by the Bar across the State as a disturbing sign of “unionisation of Judges” and an assault on the independence of the Bar.

The President states that this collective conduct has shaken the confidence of advocates in the judicial institution, calling it a moment when “the edifice of the Judicial Institution cracked.” He further asserts that some judges have long interfered in the internal affairs and democratic functioning of the Bar, and that the events of 14 November 2025 publicly vindicated his earlier warnings albeit at the cost of faith in the system.

Raising several pointed issues, the letter questions the propriety of judges whose relatives practice before them, alleged “lobby groups” within the High Court premises, and the practice of handpicking advocates for committees and judicial schemes without transparent processes. It highlights concerns over the Kerala Federation of Women Lawyers (KFWL), the functioning of KELSA and the Victims Rights Centre, and alleged manipulation and opacity within the High Court’s IT systems, including instances of judgments being altered post-pronouncement.

The President also criticises delays in completing the Dandapani Lane access project, the push for relocating the High Court, and what he describes as an unhealthy culture of selective influence and pressure by some members of the judiciary. He acknowledges the Chief Justice’s impartiality and the presence of a few judges who attended the event, calling them “a ray of hope.”

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