[Breaking]: Three High Courts express reservations about Central Selection Mechanism for Subordinate Judiciary

Three High Courts – Kerala, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh have expressed reservations about the proposal to have a central selection mechanism for subordinate judiciary across the country..This came to light in the order recorded by the Supreme Court in a suo moto case initiated by it based on a communication from Department of Justice of Government of India..The Department of Justice had written to the Chief Justice of India on April 28 to consider a central selection mechanism for selection to subordinate judiciary..Currently, different States follow their own independent process for recruitment of judges to lower judiciary with the respective High Courts being entrusted with the responsibility..Upon receipt of the communication from Department of Justice, the Supreme Court had registered the same as a suo moto petition and constituted a 3-judge Bench to hear the matter..During the last hearing, it had asked the State government and Union Territories to respond to the issue and also sought comments from different High Courts..When the matter came up for hearing today, Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar, appearing for the Central government, informed the Court that only three States have filed their response..The Court proceeded to dictate its order. It stated that various High Courts have given their comments but three High Courts have expressed reservations about the proposal..“Twenty one High Courts have given their comments. Three High Courts, Jammu & Kashmir, Gauhati and Punjab & Haryana have sought more time. Three of them, Gujarat, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh have expressed their reservations. To effectively conclude the process, Registrar Generals of High Courts, which have expressed reservations may submit details thereof.”.The Court also made it clear in its order that the instant case is only for evolving a centralised selection process and all other rules and regulations prevalent in different States with respect to the selection will not be tinkered with..“We consider it essential to record that the instant exercise will not affect Rules and regulations in vogue in different States with respect to appointments. Selection process will be carried out in accordance with the prevalent Rules. Even reservation policies in different States shall be maintained. Instant exercise is only for centralising selection process is only to make selection a regular, recurring feature.”.The matter has now been posted for hearing on July 28.