HC Advocates Assn expresses 'deep concern' over delay in

Kerala High Court Advocates Association today moved a unanimous resolution expressing 'deep concern' and 'anxiety' over delay in implementing the Supreme Court collegium's recommendation over the elevation of Justice K M Joseph, Chief Justice of Uttarkhand, to the apex court.
In a resolution, the association also appealed to the Union government to forward the name of Justice Joseph to the President as the delay would send 'wrong signals'.
The collegium in their January 10 meeting this year recommended the name of Justice Joseph for elevation as judge of the Supreme Court, but the Union Government had not yet forwarded it to the President, it was stated.

"The recommendation is in the public domain.Justice Joseph is known for his integrity, honesty, knowledge in law and independent discharge of his judicial functions. He had all along discharged his duties as a Judge, in letter and spirit of the oath he had taken.Such qualities cannot become a taboo for the appointment of any one as a judge', it stated.
No judge shall be allowed to suffer consequences for being honest and fearless in the discharge of his duties as a judge, it said.
"The delay in forwarding the name of Justice K M Joseph is sending wrong signals to the institution for judges being independent and fearless in the discharge of their constitutional functions," the resolution said.