The Bihar Chief Minister and Governor have both agreed with the recommendations. In line with the Memorandum of Procedure, the Supreme Court judges familiar with the workings of the Patna High Court were consulted to assess the candidates’ suitability. Additionally, the input from the Union Department of Justice was taken into account.
NEW DELHI: On September 24, 2024, the Supreme Court Collegium, consisting of CJI DY Chandrachud, Chief Justice of India, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, and Justice BR Gavai, decided to recommended the elevation of two judicial officers from Bihar, Shashi Bhushan Prasad Singh and Ashok Kumar Pandey, as judges of the Patna High Court.
This recommendation, made public through a resolution on the Supreme Court’s website, follows a proposal from the Patna High Court Collegium, which had forwarded their names on May 7 this year.
The Bihar Chief Minister and Governor have both agreed with the recommendations. In line with the Memorandum of Procedure, the Supreme Court judges familiar with the workings of the Patna High Court were consulted to assess the candidates’ suitability. Additionally, the input from the Union Department of Justice was taken into account.
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Shashi Bhushan Prasad Singh, currently serving as Registrar (Vigilance) in the High Court, has a strong personal and professional reputation, with no concerns regarding his integrity. Ashok Kumar Pandey, who is the Director of the Bihar Judicial Academy, also received positive feedback.
The Collegium found both candidates fit for elevation despite the fact that some senior judicial officers in the state were being passed over, noting that the Patna High Court Collegium provided valid reasons for this decision.
The resolution indicates that, as per the Memorandum of Procedure, the Supreme Court Judges familiar with the operations of the Patna High Court were consulted to assess the candidates’ qualifications and suitability. The Collegium carefully reviewed all the available materials, including the observations provided by the Department of Justice.
The resolution also notes that the Department of Justice confirmed that both candidates have a good personal and professional reputation, with no negative information regarding their integrity.
After considering the views of the consultee judges, the report of the Judgement Assessment Committee, and the Government of India’s evaluation, the Collegium found them suitable for appointment as High Court judges, as mentioned in the resolution.
The resolution further acknowledges that some senior judicial officers were not recommended for elevation. However, it notes that the Patna High Court Collegium provided valid reasons for this, which were accepted by the Supreme Court Collegium.
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