The Supreme Court on Monday asked the Chief justice of Madras High Court not to assign any judicial work to its controversial judge, Justice C S Karnan, who has been transferred to the Calcutta High Court.

The apex court passed the order on an application moved by the Registrar of Madras High Court, who is also private secretary to the Chief Justice, seeking an order to restrain Justice Karnan from doing any judicial work.

The apex court noted the application moved by senior advocate K K Venugopal which said Justice Karnan, on receipt of the transfer order, had suo motu decided to pass an order against his own transfer and had listed the matter for Monday.

Venugopal informed that Justice Karnan has already passed an order seeking reply of CJI, and SC has said it will take care of it by updating its order later today.

Taking note of this submission, a bench comprising Justices J S Khehar and R Banumathi said, "We consider it just and appropriate to allow the Chief Justice of the High Court not to assign any judicial work to him (Justice Karnan)." 

The bench which perused the affidavit filed by the Registrar, said "consequent upon the copy of this order is furnished to Justice Karnan by the Registrar of the HC, it will be open to Justice Karnan to enter his appearance before this court, if desired by him, in the pending matter (before the apex court). If he does so, it will be at his own cost."