A WhatsApp group involving sitting judges and lawyers assisted ‘fixers’, according to a letter from the President of the Kerala High Court Bar Association to the Chief Justice.
The President of the Kerala High Court Bar Association (KHCAA) has expressed serious worries about the judiciary’s integrity after news emerged about a WhatsApp group named “Lawyers News Network.” This group reportedly included several current High Court judges, Tribunal members, judicial officers, lawyers, and journalists. The Association has officially asked the Vigilance Department to look into possible threats to judicial integrity linked to the group’s activities. In a letter dated November 13, 2024, to the Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court, KHCAA President Advocate Yeshwanth Shenoy pointed out that while it is common for lawyers to have WhatsApp groups, the “Lawyers News Network” was unusual because it involved sitting judges and judicial officers, raising concerns about its purpose. The letter stated, “Many WhatsApp groups are managed by advocates, but this was unique as it included some sitting judges. These judges were part of the group when they were advocates and continued to stay, believing it was harmless. Adv. Mansoor B H is the sole ‘admin’ of the group.”
The association’s worries grew after a violent incident at the 2024 KHCAA Annual Day event, which involved some members. Although the event was organized peacefully, a video of the fight was shared with a misleading story, reportedly coming from the WhatsApp group. The KHCAA accused the group of using its platform to spread false information and damage the reputation of the association, the legal community, and the judiciary.
The letter stated that the KHCAA investigation revealed that many uninvited guests were invited by Mr. Mansoor. A significant number of these individuals were associated with the Lawyers News Network. This network included not only lawyers and judges but also other people. This discovery prompted further investigation, revealing a surprising network operating through a WhatsApp group.
The group was characterized as a “well-oiled network” of fixers. According to the KHCAA, these fixers were using their connections to manipulate situations and even engage in character attacks. The letter noted that while the group included respected members, a hidden network of fixers was working behind the scenes. It also raised concerns about the presence of several judicial officers, both retired and current, in the group. The KHCAA emphasized that even if these officers were not directly involved in wrongdoing, their presence could unintentionally support the fixers’ activities, potentially harming judicial integrity and public trust.
Alongside the misconduct allegations, the KHCAA expressed worries about the group’s involvement in leaking sensitive information. The letter mentioned, “This WhatsApp group is known for sharing judgments and administrative orders before they are officially posted online. The group even published a photo of a collegium recommendation. Unless strict control is established with the Registry, such leaks will continue. We must take strong action to ensure that those responsible for these leaks are held accountable in the future.”
The KHCAA pointed out that some media members in the group, including journalists from Madhyamam, were reportedly involved in spreading false information about the Annual Day event. They have submitted a list of phone numbers of these suspected media personnel to the investigative authorities for checking. The association ended the letter by asking the Chief Justice to start a formal inquiry into the issue and to give strict orders to judicial officers, especially those in the district judiciary, to distance themselves from such groups. They stated, “The KHCAA respectfully requests you to initiate an inquiry by the vigilance department of the High Court to ensure that the Judicial institution is not harmed. We also ask you to direct district judicial officers to avoid such groups.” Additionally, the KHCAA mentioned that it might take the issue to the Chief Justice of India, urging a review of the Restatement of Values of Judicial Life to maintain judicial ethics and integrity. They stressed the importance of quick action to protect the judiciary’s reputation and restore public trust in the legal system.
