Center sent 70 names to SC Collegium in the matter of appointment of High Court judges across the country.
The Central Government bowed to the strictness of the Supreme Court in the matter of appointment of judges in the High Courts across the country. 70 names for High Court judges were sent to the Supreme Court Collegium. The Center is ready to appoint the Chief Justice of Manipur High Court in some time. The Supreme Court again warned the Center that we should not remain confused. If names are suggested, either make an appointment or you send them back with your concerns. The names which have been repeated should either be appointed or should be told to the collegium. The Supreme Court will now hear this case on October 20.
On Monday, AG R Venkataramani, on behalf of the Centre, had told the Supreme Court that the Center has cleared 70 names sent by the High Court Collegium and sent them to the Supreme Court Collegium. Action is being taken for the appointment of Chief Justice of Manipur High Court. Appointment will be made soon. At the same time, out of the recommendation for transfer of 26 judges of the High Court, 14 judges have been transferred.
On this, Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul said that this is a positive step from the Central Government, but more work is still left. In the last hearing, the Supreme Court had shown strictness on the Centre. The Supreme Court said that we will monitor this matter every ten days. 70 names were recommended in ten months, but all these appointments are pending with the Centre. Transfers of 26 judges are pending while the appointment of the Chief Justice is pending in the sensitive High Court. 7 names are pending, which have been repeated. We want to say a lot, but are stopping ourselves. The Supreme Court has sought a reply from the Centre. During the hearing, Attorney General R Vekentarmani, on behalf of the Centre, had sought a week’s time from the Supreme Court. Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia had asked the AG to bring instructions from the Centre. Actually, the Supreme Court is hearing a petition against the delay by the Center in the appointments of judges in the higher judiciary.
During this, Justice Kaul said that as long as I am here, I will raise this matter every 10/12 days. I had raised this issue once. We strive to provide the best talent. In such a situation, there should be no delay from the Centre.
