The Centre’s selective appointment of judges recommended by the collegium for the higher judiciary has been criticized by the Supreme Court. Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Sudhanshu Dhulia expressed their concern over the delay in transferring recommended names from one high court to another. The court warned that it may have to make an “unpalatable decision” if the situation persists.
The court was addressing two petitions, one of which accused the Centre of delaying the appointment and transfer of judges recommended by the collegium. Justice Kaul raised the issue of pending names with the government, stating that it disrupts seniority and discourages successful lawyers from joining the bench. While acknowledging some expedited appointments, he urged the government to stop the selective process.
The court emphasized that the decision of whether a judge should work in a particular high court should be left to the judiciary. Advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing one of the petitioners, urged the court to take action against the government, stating that the lack of progress gives the impression that the government can disregard court orders.
The bench expressed concern over the selective appointments made by the government, even in recently recommended cases. The Attorney General requested time for fruitful discussions with the government on the matter. The court scheduled the next hearing for November 20.
The appointment of judges through the collegium system has been a contentious issue between the Supreme Court and the Centre. The court was hearing multiple petitions, including one seeking contempt action against the Ministry of Law and Justice for not adhering to the court’s timeline for appointment. The court had previously stated that the Centre should appoint judges within three to four weeks if the collegium reiterates its recommendations unanimously.
(Note: This news article has been summarized and rewritten. The original article was not edited by NDTV staff and was published from a syndicated feed.)
