Supreme Court Expresses Concern Over Centre's Response to Collegium Recommendations

Supreme Court Expresses Concern Over Centre's Response to Collegium Recommendations

The Supreme Court stated its concern over the way the Central Government was responding to the recommendations of Supreme Court collegium for appointment/transfer of judges to High Courts and the Apex Court.

The three judges bench comprising of Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Manoj Misra and Aravind Kumar observed that certain issues pertaining to judge's appointments were concerning.

Justice Kaul verbally asserted, "I am also concerned with some issues."

Appearing on behalf of the petitioners, Advocate Prashant Bhushan said the Centre has been selective in notifying the appointment/transfer of certain judges. "We are equally worried if not more," Justice Kaul added.

The progress took place during the resumed hearing of a petition filed by the Advocates Association Bengaluru. The petitioner argued that the Centre was in direct contravention of the 'Second Judges case' for not appointing names cleared by the collegium.

Previously, the bench on hearings has expressed its strong discontentment over the delay in the government clearing judicial appointments and transfers. The Apex Court had on 3rd February warned the government of judicial and administrative actions that "may not be palatable" in case it kept dragging its feet in acting on the recommendations of the collegium on the transfer of high court judges.