Flagging it as proof that there is no friction between the government and the highest judiciary in appointment of judges, the government has acted quickly to get the President’s approval for the elevation of Chief Justice of Orissa High Court Amitava Roy as a Supreme Court judge.
“We had to move fast as Justice Roy was due to retire on February 28. The Prime Minister’s approval was obtained and the file was sent to the President two days ago,” Union Law Minister V. Sadananda Gowda told The Hindu on Thursday. The notification on his appointment would be issued as soon as the papers reached the Ministry from the President’s office.
Mr. Gowda said the judicial appointments through the collegium system would continue for the time being. The apex court had two more vacancies and there were several vacancies to fill in the various High Courts. “I reiterate, until the National Judicial Appointments Commission is in place, the collegium system will continue. We cannot let judicial vacancies lie unfilled.”
He, however, said that “as of now Justice Roy’s was the only recommendation to reach the government for elevation to the Supreme Court.”
With the appointment of 62-year-old Justice Roy, the strength of judges in the Supreme Court climbs to 29. The sanctioned strength is 31.
