The Supreme Court Today (July 24) expressed concern over long delays by the Centre in clearing judge appointment recommendations, highlighting a 4-year-old pending list. The Court is addressing the issue both legally and administratively.
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NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court of India clearly said that it knows about the big delay happening because the Central Government is not clearing the names recommended by the Collegium for appointing judges in different High Courts.
A Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran mentioned that the Supreme Court is also following up on this issue from the administrative side.
This means the top court is not only looking at the legal part of the problem but also trying to fix the issue through official communication and procedure.
During the hearing, the Court specifically referred to a recent incident where a lawyer from Delhi had been recommended for judgeship, but her name was not cleared for a long time.
This discussion happened when Senior Advocate Arvind Datar brought up the issue of pending judicial appointments.
He raised concern about how long the government is taking to act on the Collegium’s suggestions.
“This is a matter regarding appointment of judges whose name have been recommended. The matter is still pending. There are names recommended in 2019 reiterated in 2021-22 but still pending. These names are there for 4 years. They lose seniority,”
-Datar submitted.
In response, CJI BR Gavai assured the lawyer that the Court is aware of the problem.
He said:
“We are also pursuing from administrative side. I am aware. A lady from Delhi,”
This was likely about Senior Advocate Shwetasree Majumdar, who reportedly took her name back from being considered for judgeship. Her name had been stuck with the government for over a year without any action.
Advocate Prashant Bhushan also shared his concern and added:
“Yes, she was a topper from NLS. This is happening continuously…”
After this, Datar strongly said that the government should not keep Collegium recommendations pending for 3 to 4 years, and that it must stick to a proper time limit.
“Okay we’ll hear you,”
-the CJI said, agreeing to list the case for hearing.
CASE TITLE:
Advocates Association Bengaluru vs Barun Mitra & Anr.
Contempt Petition (Civil) No. 867 of 2021 in Transfer Petition (Civil) No. 2419 of 2019
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