Centre Appoints Delhi High Court Chief Justice DN Patel As TDSAT Chairperson

The Central Government has cleared the appointment of Delhi High Court Chief Justice DN Patel as Chairperson of Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT), days before his retirement.

Chief Justice DN Patel is set to retire on March 12.

As per the order issued by Ministry of Communications, Government of India yesterday:

"As approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, the Central Government hereby appoints Justice D.N. Patel, Chief Justice of Delhi High Court to the post of Chairperson, Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal in the salary of Rs. 2,50,000/- (fixed) p.m., for a period of 04 years from the date of assumption of charge of the post, or till attaining the age of 70 years, or until further orders, whichever is the earliest."

It has further been stated that the conditions of service of Justice Patel as Chairperson in the TDSAT shall be governed by the provisions of the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2021 and the Tribunal (Conditions of Service) Rules, 2021.

Former Supreme Court judge Justice Shiva Kirti Singh is continuing as the incumbent TDSAT Chairperson, despite the expiry of his tenure in April last year, after the Supreme Court extended his term in June last year till the next appointment.

Justice Patel was appointed as Chief Justice of Delhi High Court on 7th June, 2019.

He was appointed as Additional Central Government Standing Counsel by the Union of India, in the year 1999 and as Senior Central Government Standing Counsel by Central Government for High Court of Gujarat on 5th July, 2001.

He was elevated as an Additional Judge of the High Court of Gujarat on 7th March, 2004 and took oath as permanent Judge of High Court of Gujarat on 25th January, 2006.

On transfer, he took oath as Judge of the High Court of Jharkhand, Ranchi on 3rd February, 2009. He had also served as Acting Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court.