Justice Nirmaljit told to take charge by Nov 22

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 8

Nearly six years after Justice Nirmaljit Kaur of the Punjab and Haryana High Court was transferred to the Rajasthan High Court, the President has transferred her back. She has been “directed” to assume charge of her office by November 22.

The President also transferred Justice PB Bajanthri back to his parent High Court of Karnataka from the Punjab and Haryana High Court. He, too, has been “directed” to assume the charge of her office by November 22.

The transfer orders came just a week after the Supreme Court collegium, comprising Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi, Justice MB Lokur, Justice Kurian Joseph, Justice AK Sikri and Justice SA Bobde, recommend their repatriation. The collegium had resolved to recommend both transfers in the interest of better administration.

Known for her impeccable integrity, calibre and administrative experience, Justice Nirmaljit Kaur was posted at Jodhpur, heading a Division Bench hearing appeals filed in criminal matters.

Justice Nirmaljit Kaur had hit the headlines in 2008 after a bagful of money was erroneously delivered at her house. Investigations in the ‘cash-at-door’ scam later revealed that the money was allegedly meant for delivery at the residence of Judge Nirmal Yadav.

She started practice in the Punjab and Haryana High Court at Chandigarh.

She was Additional Standing Counsel for the Government of India and Punjab Additional Advocate-General and Assistant Solicitor-General of India.