Police verification of judges mandatory: SC

New Delhi, Jul 18: Supreme Court warned all High Courts to ensure police verification before making judicial appointments, after the incident of a person in the 'rowdy list' was appointed as a district judge.

The resolution was taken by a bench including Justices BS Chauhan and Swatanter Kumar who instructed the High Courts also to maintain annual confidential reports (ACRs) of the judges to ensure transparency and provide fair treatment to the incumbents.

"It is a matter of concern, as we are of the considered view, that timely action on behalf of the High Court would have avoided this uncalled for litigation as it would have been a matter of great doubt whether the appellant could at all be inducted into the service in face of the admitted position that the name of the appellant was stated to be on rowdy list at the relevant time," the Bench observed.

SC passed the order while dismissing the appeal of Khazia Mohammed Muzammil who challenged Karnataka High Court's decision to discharge him from services since he is 'unsuitable' for the post. Muzammil who joined Karnataka Higher Judicial Service on May 15, 1996 on probation was finally discharged and he appealed in the Supreme Court.

The apex court expressed shock over the appointment of Muzammil on probation, despite his name being in the 'rowdy list' of police.

OneIndia News