On Monday, the Supreme Court raised a concern over Kiren Rijiju’s remarks.
The opposition has responded strongly to the Supreme Court’s most recent remarks on the delay in appointing justices after recommendations provided to the government by the Collegium. Mahua Moitra, the head of the Trinamool Congress, has slammed the administration and charged it with “homophobia” and “bigotry.”
The Trinamool MP tweeted, quoting the Supreme Court, “Once Collegium reiterates a name, it is the end of chapter… government is crossing the Rubicon by keeping names pending like this,’: SC 11 reiterated names not cleared by Centre – BJP governed by homophobia, bigotry & revenge even in vital judicial appointments.” What a shame.
The statements made about the Collegium by Union Law Minister Kiren Rijju drew a harsh response from the Supreme Court on Monday. “The method as a whole is annoying since you withhold names without identifying your reservation. This cannot be accepted. The court had stated that the Center was required to abide by the Collegium’s judgement, stating that your actions effectively frustrate the appointment process. Sharp responses followed the government’s claim that the Constitution is “alien” to the nomination of judges.
According to a report by the news agency PTI, the government has ordered the Supreme Court Collegium to reexamine 20 cases involving the selection of high court judges, including the case of attorney Saurabh Kirpal, who has openly discussed his sexual orientation. His appointment as a Delhi High Court judge was recommended by the Supreme Court Collegium, which is led by former Chief Justice of India N V Ramana.
