"We are pursuing it": Supreme Court on government delay in clearing Collegium recommendations
The Supreme Court on Thursday said that it was aware of the delays caused by the Central government in clearing recommendations made by the Collegium for appointment of judges to various High Courts.
A Bench of Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran said that the Court is pursuing the matter on the administrative side.
The Bench also specifically highlighted the recent instance of a Delhi lawyer's recommendation being held up.
The Court made the observations after Senior Advocate Arvind Datar mentioned the pending case concerning judicial appointments.
"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.
"We are also pursuing from administrative side. I am aware. A lady from Delhi," the CJI said in response, possibly referring to the Senior Advocate Shwetasree Majumdar withdrawing her consent for judgeship after her name was kept pending for more than a year by the government.
"Yes, she was a topper from NLS. This is happening continuously…" Advocate Prashant Bhushan weighed in.
Datar then said that Collegium recommendations cannot be kept pending by the government for 3 to 4 years and timelines will have to be adhered to by the government.
"Okay we’ll hear you," the CJI said while agreeing to the list the matter.
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