Gauhati HC Seeks UOI's Reply On Plea Against Justice Ranjit Vasantrao More Appointment As CAT Chairperson, Guwahati Bench

The Gauhati High Court has sought the reply of the Union of India on a plea moved before it challenging the appointment of Justice Ranjit Vasantrao More as the chairperson of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT).

The order has been issued by the bench of Justice Michael Zothankhuma on a plea moved by the Central Administrative Tribunal (Guwahati Bench) Bar Association.

It has been averred in the plea that the appointment of Justice More to the post of Chairman, Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) is illegal on the ground that there has been a violation of Section 3(7) of the Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021, Rule 4 (4) of the Tribunals (Conditions of Service) Rules, 2021, as well as the provisions of the Vacancy Circular dated 04.04.2022.

The petitioner's counsel further submitted that Justice More was not even called for personal interaction and his name was recommended only on the basis of an incomplete proforma application.

The bar body has also prayed that a Search-cum-Selection Committee may again be constituted so that it can make a fresh recommendation only after scrutinizing the applications received by it as per the proper procedure. 

Issuing the notice to the Union of India, through CGC C. K. S. Baruah, the bench posted the matter for further hearing on August 16, 2022.