On 24 August 2017, there was an unfortunate incident where a matter was transferred from a bench of Hon'ble Justice Mr. Abhay Oka in the midst of a hearing of a part heard matter specially assigned to the bench headed by Hon'ble Justice Oka. This was pursuant to an application made by the State Government to the Hon'ble Chief Justice alleging bias against Hon'ble Justice Oka.

In an unprecedented step, all matters pertaining to noise pollution rules were transferred to another bench by the Hon'ble Chief Justice Manjula Chellur after the state government alleged Hon'ble Justice Oka harboured a “bias” against the administration.

While individual litigants often seek such transfer of cases, this is the first time a state government has made such an allegation against a high court judge.

Hon'ble Justice Abhay Oka is a very senior and extremely respected, upright judge who has spent a lifetime in the advancement of justice dispensation. He is one of the finest judges India has seen.

By sidelining him Maharashtra Government has started tampering with the judiciary which is an insult to the constitutional values hence appeal to CJ " Don't send the wrong message to citizens by accepting unjust demands and entertaining vested interests.

Citizens are shocked by the actions of the Maharashtra Govt. and the Advocate General Ashutosh Kumbhakoni. He has not acted on the moral and legal duty imposed upon him, he is not a spokesman for the state, he is the protector of the rights of the citizens. This is an abject surrender to the will of some people in Mantralaya.

The state is the largest litigant or party to most litigation. If the state starts alleging bias in these kind of matters, where the petitioners is seeking to uphold the law, it has some serious implications for the judiciary and justice system

Sign this petition to express solidarity and support with the Hon'ble Justice Mr. Abhay Oka