Centre to SC: Adhere to timeline in process of appointment of judges in HCs

New Delhi, January 6: Central Government assured the Supreme Court to adhere to timeline in process of appointment of judges in High Courts. 

Centre stated that the out of 104 recommendations, the court will process 44 on Saturday itself. 

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A bench headed by Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul listed the matter for further hearing on February 3.

Meanwhile, in order to view the delay in appointment of judges in High Court, the court also expressed the concern where meritorious people are hesitant to give consent for their names for an appointment for a judge's post due to delay in clearing the name.

The court also flagged the issue that the people have withdrawn a couple of names as their names have not been cleared for months.

Furthermore, the issues of Collegium names that are put on website but then also not cleared have been discussed.    

The court remarked that the person is professionally affected; therefore people hesitate to give consent as it gives examples of two outstanding counsels who withdrew their names because of the delay in clearing their names

The court further stated that keeping the names pending sends the wrong signals.    

The court also observed that govt might have apprehensions but names cannot be kept on hold. The court also said that till the law holds the fort, the law has to be implemented. Until this is the law of the land, Centre will have to follow it, the court remarked.

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The court observation came while hearing a plea against the Centre for keeping the name Collegium recommended names of judges for their appointment in the various High courts and Supreme Court pending.