NEW DELHI: The strength of the Supreme Court could go up from 27 to 32 within the next few days as the Centre on Friday informed the court that the warrants of appointment of five judges recommended by the collegium could be issued by Sunday.
“It is happening. The five warrants of appointments are being issues. It goes to the President by evening. They will be issued,” Attorney General R Venkataramani told a bench led by Justice S K Kaul. On December 13, the Supreme Court collegium had recommended the elevation of Pankaj Mithal (Rajasthan HC Chief Justice), Sanjay Karol (Patna HC CJ), P V Sanjay Kumar (Manipur HC CJ), Ahsanuddin Amanullah (Patna HC judge) and Manoj Mishra (Allahabad HC judge) as SC judges.
However, the bench expressed displeasure over the delay in even clearing recommendations for transfer of high court judges, saying “it is a very very serious issue”. “Don’t make us take a stand which will be very uncomfortable.”
“If transfer orders are not implemented, what do you want us to do,” the bench said, adding that “we withdraw judicial work from them, is that what you want?” The court also pointed out that one judge whose elevation as chief justice of HC was recommended, was to demit office in 19 days. “You want him to retire without being appointed as the chief justice?” the bench asked. The A-G said necessary action is being taken on it.
Roasts govt on transfer
The bench said any delay in transfer of judges could result in administrative or judicial action, which may not be palatable. It observed that sometimes the govt clears names overnight. On other occasions it lets them hanging