The Supreme Court on Tuesday reiterated its concerns over the central government making no decision on the collegium recommendations for appointments and transfers of judges in various high courts.
The top court noted that 70 recommendations made by the high courts' collegium from November 11, 2022 are pending with the government. It includes the transfer of 26 judges and the appointment of a chief justice in a "sensitive high court".
A bench of Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Sudhanshu Dhulia told Attorney General R. Venkataramani to take instructions from the government with respect to the collegium recommendations made at least until end of April this year, reported the Live Law.
Venkatramani sought a week's time to respond. The court, however, granted him two weeks and asked him to return with the Centre's submission.
"In some ways, we have endeavoured to push these things. Now we want to monitor it closely,” Justice Kaul said.
The apex court was hearing a petition filed by the Advocates Association of Bengaluru seeking contempt action against the government for its failure in adhering to the Supreme Court order in 2021 setting a timeline for clearing the collegium proposals.
The court also took up a petition filed by NGO Common Cause raising concerns over the delay in judges’ appointment.
When Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for the Common Cause, said many lawyers have withdrawn their consent for judgeship in view of the delay in appointments, Justice Kaul said: "Some of them lose interest and withdraw. One or two such great candidates. With the assurance from AG, I will take this matter up every 10 days. I thought of saying a lot, but since the attorney is asking for seven days, I'm holding myself".
“I won't be quiet on the next date,” Justice Kaul said.
The court posted the matter for further hearing on October 9.
