Storm over chief justice's appointment unfortunate: Law minister
Sandesh Prabhudesai in Panaji
Union Law Minister Ramakant Khalap says the controversy over the Chief Justice of India's appointment is unfortunate.
Addressing the media, the minister declined to comment on the allegations levelled against Justice M M Punchhi. “How can I jump to any conclusion when the bar itself is divided over appointing Justice Punchhi as the new Chief Justice of India?'' he asked. “Debate is welcome, but controversy is bad.”
Considering the strong political ties of the lawyers concerned, was the issue being politicised? “No doubt lawyers with strong political connections like Ram Jethmalani and Kapil Sibal are involved. But this is not a political issue,” he opined.
Asserting that he would strictly follow the procedure laid down by the Supreme Court in 1993 for appointing judges, Khalap refused to name Chief Justice of India J S Verma's successor. “I will announce the decision at an appropriate time,” he asserted.
Asked why he was reluctant to make an early announcement as in Justice Verma's case, the minister said, ''The time has not come.''
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