Shahin Akhtar
On 20th Augusut, 2025, the Kerala High Court held a transfer order of a Family Court Judge following allegations of inappropriate behaviour. Judge Udayakumar V, who was posted at the Chavara Family Court, has been shifted to the Kollam Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT).
The decision came after a woman litigant submitted a complaint to the Principal District Judge of Kollam, accusing Udayakumar of making sexually coloured and obscene remarks during counselling.
In the reshuffle, Kollam MACT Judge Prasanna Gopalan will take over as the judge of the Chavara Family Court. The Registrar (District Judiciary), while issuing the order, directed both judges to immediately hand over their current charges and assume their new roles.
Although the order cited “administrative exigencies,” court officials confirmed that the transfer was linked to the complaint. The High Court’s administrative committee has also asked the Registrar (District Judiciary) to conduct a detailed inquiry into the allegations. The committee is expected to review the findings next week.
While judicial transfers are not uncommon, this particular move has drawn attention as Family Courts handle sensitive matters such as divorce, custody, and maintenance, where parties are often vulnerable. The High Court’s swift action, coupled with the decision to hold an inquiry, indicates that the matter is being treated with urgency and seriousness.
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