Judge files suggestion alleging 'gross' violation in selection

Advocates in the Madras High Court today boycotted proceedings opposing the 12 names recommended by the collegium of the Madras High Court for appointment as Additional Judges even as a judge filed written suggestions alleging 'gross' violation in mode of selection.
Justice C.S. Karnan, who created a flutter recently by appearing before a Division Bench hearing a plea seeking withdrawal of the list of names, filed written suggestions in the court Registry as a part of the writ petition.
The judge said he concurred with the stand taken by members of all the Bars that there was gross violation in mode of selection and it was imperative to convene a meeting with the various associations including the two lawyers who have filed writ petitions seeking withdrawal of the list.

He also suggested holding a full Court meeting to seek the view of Judges and to prepare an undisputed list and till such time the disputed list may be recalled.
He alleged that the Chief Justice R.K. Agrawal has not obtained an overall picture in the territorial jurisdiction of Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry and he may not be aware of the scenario pertaining to qualification and experience of each and everyone in the selected list of Judges.
On his sudden entry on January 8 when a special bench was hearing the petition filed by R Gandhi, the judge said it was not based on any ego but on the ground situation on hand.

"This selection is not fair.I will file an affidavit against it in my own name. I am also a part of judiciary. Please note it down," Justice Karnan had said and walked out.

In his written suggestions, he claimed that in the writ petition, the Chief Justice and Justice Chitra Venkataraman have also impleaded themselves as parties and said he will give further suggestions after they file their reply.
He contended that the Chief Justice and Justice Chitra Venkarataman were in fact "erring judges since they have not followed the guidelines in the selection of judges" and said he can provide available evidence on his submissions.

He appealed to the President of India to appoint an "honest high level committee", consisting of a retired judge from the Supreme Court, one from Madras High Court, two top retired IAS officers and retired IPS officer, "to arrange for the divulgement of various irregularities in the Madras High Court administration in every aspect."
He claimed his suggestions were not mere submission but based on documentary evidence available with the Court Registry.The copy of the written suggestions with his signature were made available to the press.