Controversial Madras high court Judge CS Karnan, who has termed as ‘unfair’ the choice of 12 probables for appointment as judges of the court, on Tuesday launched a direct attack on Chief Justice of India P Sathasivam, alleging he had ‘usurped’ the powers of the collegium in deciding the names.
When contacted in Delhi, CJI said, ‘I am not aware of the development,’ and added, ‘No CJI can interfere in the affairs of the collegium’.
In his additional written suggestions filed in the high court on the PIL by a senior lawyer seeking withdrawal of the list of probables, Justice Karnan said certain issues have been raised in the petition.
He questioned why the CJI was taking keen interest in appointing judges to the Madras High Court where the vacancy percentage was below 20 per cent when it ranged from 30 per cent to 40 per cent in various other high courts.
Justice Karnan also referred to the Bar having raised questions on whether there was corruption in the selection of the prospective judges. Justice Karnan, who created a flutter by walking into the court on 9 January during the hearing of the PIL, has drawn flak from the apex court for his action.
When contacted in Delhi, CJI said, ‘I am not aware of the development,’ and added, ‘No CJI can interfere in the affairs of the collegium’.
In his additional written suggestions filed in the high court on the PIL by a senior lawyer seeking withdrawal of the list of probables, Justice Karnan said certain issues have been raised in the petition.
He questioned why the CJI was taking keen interest in appointing judges to the Madras High Court where the vacancy percentage was below 20 per cent when it ranged from 30 per cent to 40 per cent in various other high courts.
Justice Karnan also referred to the Bar having raised questions on whether there was corruption in the selection of the prospective judges. Justice Karnan, who created a flutter by walking into the court on 9 January during the hearing of the PIL, has drawn flak from the apex court for his action.