Govt. sitting on judge nominations by collegium: SC

THE Supreme Court on Monday (28) noted that consideration of name of judges recommended by the collegium for appointments in the high courts has been delayed by the federal government for months.

A bench headed by Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul observed that most of the names recommended have crossed the four-month limit and they have not received any information yet. The court also noted that some names are pending for the last one-and-a- half years.

The Supreme Court remarked that it appears that the government is unhappy that the National Judicial Appointments Commission, which sought to replace the collegium system did not pass constitutional muster and said that can be the reason to not clear the names.

Holding the names for a long time frustrates the system, the court added.

Supreme Court asked the Attorney General of India and the Solicitor General to ensure that the law of the land laid down by the court is followed.

During the hearing, the court also expressed disappointment with the recent critical statement by the federal law minister on Collegium.

The court also asked both law officers to convey the sentiments of the bench to the government.