SC reserves verdict on HC judge's confirmation

New Delhi, Oct 23 (UNI) The Supreme Court today reserved its verdict on a petition filed by former Union Law Minister Shanti Bhushan challenging the decision of Chief Justice of India (CJI) K G Balakrishnan confirming Justice S Ashok Kumar as permanent judge of the Madras High Court without taking the apex court collegium into confidence.

The Supreme Court judges collegium comprises of the CJI and two senior most judges of the court.

The Union Government in its statement made on oath submitted in the Supreme Court said that since 1999 many CJIs have violated the apex court's own judgement while recommending a person for appointment as a judge in the High Court. The CJI would form his opinion on the basis of his consultation with the collegium.

According to the Union Government's affidavit around 350 such appointments have been made since 1999. The recommendations of the CJI on the basis of his opinion formed after consulting the members of the collegium is binding.

A bench headed by Justice Arijit Pasayat reserved the judgement after hearing the arguments of all the parties in the case.

According to the petitioner, the name of Justice Ashok Kumar for confirmation as High Court judge had earlier been rejected twice.

UNI SC SK RP HT1928