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Justice Sanjib Banerjee, who served as the Chief Justice of the Madras High Court for the last eleven months after assuming the office on January 4, 2021, has written a letter addressing the bench, bar, registry and his staff members after his transfer to Meghalaya High Court was recently notified by the Centre.

In his letter Justice Banerjee, addressing his 'dear family at the Madras High Court', says,

"To my colleagues at the Bench: I apologise. First, for being unable to last the distance and second, for not saying goodbye to you in person."

Apologizing to any who may have felt offended by his actions, Justice Banerjee says, "please know that they were never personal: I perceived those actions as necessary for the institution."

He calls the members of the Bar to be among the best in the country and claims that they have suffered a talkative and sometimes grumpy old Judge with more patience, respect and understanding than he may have deserved.

In his letter, Justice Banerjee has applauded the Registry, saying that its efficiency made administration easy and requests them to continue the endeavor to bring about transparency and accountability.

Lastly, addressing the staff he says,

"I am sorry for the long hours that you had to keep for me. I appreciate your fullest cooperation. My regret is that I could
not completely demolish the feudal culture in which you serve."

In conclusion, the chief justice adds that his wife Ranee and he have been overwhelmed by the warmth and affection showered on them at all times. He exclaims that they are forever indebted to everyone in this beautiful and glorious State we had the privilege of calling our own for the last eleven months and for the kindness and warmth with which we were greeted during the entire tenure.

The Supreme Court Collegium had earlier this month issued a notification stating that in its meeting held on September 16, 2021 it had recommended the transfer of Justice Sanjib Banerjee, Chief Justice, Madras High Court to Meghalaya High Court.

Following this the Campaign for Judicial Accountability (CJAR) has sought the recall of collegium's decision to transfer Justice  Banerjee noting that the absence of a timely reasoned decision made available on the Supreme Court website, is an "unsavory practice that gives rise to insinuations that the resolution was backdated".

The Madras Bar Association had also passed a resolution on November 14, urging the to reconsider the recommendations.

Earlier, more than 200 lawyers had signed a 12-page petition opposing the transfer and asking Chief Justice N. V. Ramana to “reconsider in the public interest its decision”.