Jharkhand Has Filed Contempt Against Union For Not Appointing HC Chief Justice : CJI Tells Attorney General

Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud on Thursday (September 19) informed the Attorney General for India about the contempt petition filed by the State of Jharkhand against the Centre for the delay in appointing the Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court. AG said that he was not aware of the petition.

"There is also a contempt petition filed by the State of Jharkhand...just pointed out to me last night when I was leaving for home...that the State of Jharkhand. has filed a contempt against the Union of India...this was brought to my attention yesterday.."CJI said.

"We are not aware of that," AG replied.

This exchange happened when the AG mentioned a petition regarding judges' appointment, which is listed tomorrow, and requested for its adjournment.

Attorney General R Venkataramani indicated that the Centre's decision on the pending Collegium resolutions regarding the appointment of Chief Justices of High Courts will likely happen soon.

"The matter regarding the judges appointment which is listed tomorrow, I request this matter may be pushed by a week or so, I will be in a position to comeback with something. Let it not be taken up tomorrow," AG told CJI DY Chandrachud. He was referring to a PIL which seeks directions to the Union Government to act upon Collegium recommendations in a time-bound manner.

CJI however said that the list for tomorrow is already published. Let the matter remain on board, CJI said, suggesting that the AG can make a mention tomorrow when the petitioner is also present.

On July 11, the Supreme Court collegium had made recommendations for the appointment of Chief Justices of eight High Courts. However, the resolutions remained pending with the Union Government.

Last week, during the hearing of the petition seeking judges' appointments, AG told the Court that he wanted to share some "sensitive information" regarding the collegium recommendations. Accordingly, the matter was adjourned till September 20.

Meanwhile, on September 17, the Collegium modified three recommendations which were made as per the July 11 resolution.