New Delhi: A collective statement released by the Supreme Court collegium revealed that Judges DY Chandrachud and S Abdul Nazeer had objected to the “process of selection” used by the Chief Justice of India (CJI) UU Lalit to finalise candidates for elevation as SC judges through the circulation of a letter.
The postponed meeting of the collegium was supposed to convene on September 30 but did not due to Justice Chadrachud being unable to attend. Hence, the CJI chose to “send a proposal vide letter by way of circulation,” which was approved by Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and K.M. Joseph.
Informal deliberations regarding filling up vacancies for judges had been ongoing for some time, with the collegium having unanimously agreed upon the placement of Justice Dipankar Gupta, who is currently the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court. The meeting was to take place to fill the remaining 10 vacancies.
Additionally, a letter on the 7th of October was sent to UU Lalit, requesting him to appoint his successor.
The senior most Supreme Court judge is named Chief Justice, with a customary letter from the incumbent Chief Justice. In accordance with this, Justice DY Chandrachud is set to receive the post.
Read the full statement here:
Also read: 2 justices objected to finalising names for Supreme Court posts via letter, says judges’ body