Supreme Court fumes over non-elevation of two as Punjab and Haryana High Court judges

New Delhi, November 20

The Supreme Court on Monday took strong exception to the Centre not notifying the appointment of two of the five lawyers recommended for elevation to the Punjab and Haryana High Court, saying that “this affects the system”.

“Two of the candidates not cleared are both Sikhs. Why should this arise? Don’t let past issues link up with present pending ones,” a Bench led by Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul said. Noting that the issues being taken up were necessary for the judicial system, the Bench posted the matter for further hearing on December 5.

The Supreme Court Collegium led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud had on October 17 recommended the names of advocates Harmeet Singh Grewal, Deepinder Singh Nalwa, Sumeet Goel, Sudeepti Sharma and Kirti Singh for appointment as judges of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, saying they were “fit and suitable” for appointment. While the Centre notified the appointment of advocates Sumeet Goel, Sudeepti Sharma and Kirti Singh on November 2, it continued to sit over the Collegium’s recommendation for the appointment of advocates Harmeet Singh Grewal and Deepinder Singh Nalwa as judges.

While maintaining that there was “nothing adverse” with regard to integrity of Grewal, Goel, Sharma and Singh, the Department of Justice had earlier indicated that Nalwa’s “financial integrity is not considered above board”.