SC seeks status report on transfer of judges

The Supreme Court on Monday asked the Centre to furnish a status report on the transfer of high court judges while asking why files were not moving on the recommendation made by the collegium.

“There are proposals for transfer and appointment of judges. Tell us what is happening. If you don’t agree to the recommendation, send the files back to us. Files can’t languish like this,” a bench comprising Chief Justice T S Thakur and Justice D Y Chandrachud told Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi.

Rohatgi sought three weeks to respond on the pending recommendation for transfer of judges.

He, however, maintained that no file on appointments of judges was pending in November, though the Supreme Court collegium, headed by the Chief Justice of India, had reiterated on 37 names sent back by the government for reconsideration over negative reports.

Appearing in a clutch of Public Interest Litigations relating to appointment of judges, senior advocates Ram Jethmalani and Yatin Oza urged the apex court to pass some effective orders as some of the files relating to transfer of high court judges were pending for more than 10 months.

“There is a strong perception that despite the collegium’s order, nothing is happening,” they contended.

As Rohatgi submitted that the process was on, the counsel countered saying the plea was “too vague” to be allowed in the matter.

The court, however, granted three weeks to the Centre after Rohatgi said he would come back with a definite response on transfer of judges.