SC directs centre to reconsider names of HC judges

New Delhi: In a major jolt to the Centre the Supreme Court has directed it to accept the names of the high court judges sent by the collegium for the appointment of High Court judges.

The Centre had earlier accepted only 34 names out of the 77 names sent by the collegium. According to Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi had said earlier, “Out of the 77 names recommended by the collegium, only 34 have been cleared by the government for appointment.

The apex court has sent all 43 rejected names for reconsideration by the government.

It may be recalled that earlier last month, the Supreme Court had warned the government at Centre for not appointing judges to various high courts despite recommendations made by collegiums in this regard.

The apex court had earlier said, “There should not be a deadlock in appointment of judges. You (Centre) cannot bring the institution to a grinding halt.”

Chief Justice of India TS Thakur had also warned the government in last hearing and directed it to pass an order and fasten accountability if the logjam continued.