Advocate P V Kunhikrishnan Appointed As Additional Judge Of Kerala HC

After keeping the Collegium recommendation pending for almost a year, the Central Government has notified the appointment of Advocate P V Kunhikrishnan as an additional judge of High Court of Kerala.

The notification issued by the Department of Justice on February 10 states that Advocate Pulleri Vadhyarillath Kunhikrishnan will be an additional judge of Kerala High Court for a period of two years from the date he assumes charge of the office.

On February 12, 2019, the Supreme Court Collegium had re-iterated his name, after the first recommendation regarding his proposal was objected to by the Centre.

The proposal for elevation of P.V.Kunhikrishnan, was approved by the Supreme Court Collegium for the first time on October 9, 2018.

This was however referred back by the Department of Justice to the Chief Justice of India for reconsideration in the light of the observations made in the file. 

The resolution taken by Collegium comprising the then CJI Ranjan Gogoi, and Justices A K Sikri & S A Bobde on February 12 stated :

"As regards Shri P.V.Kunhikrishnan, we have carefully scrutinized the material placed on record including the reasons recorded in the file for seeking reconsideration of the proposal for his elevation. The Collegium while clearing his name on 9th October, 2018 has already considered material on the basis of which the proposal relating to Shri Kunhikrishnan has been referred back for reconsideration. As there is no fresh material in the file referred back to it for reconsideration of the above proposal, the Collegium is of the considered view that Shri P.V. Kunhikrishnan deserves to be elevated to the High Court Bench. The Collegium accordingly resolves to reiterate its recommendation dated 9 th October, 2018 for appointment of Shri P.V. Kunhikrishnan, Advocate as a Judge of the Kerala High Court". 

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