In a strange turn of events, the Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a petition, and lashed out at the petitioner for a plea seeking that he should be appointed a judge of the Telangana High Court. Calling the plea a “mockery of the system”, the top court asked if the collegium should be set up right away for the petitioner, reported Live Law.
The SC declined to entertain the plea, which was filed by one GV Sarvan Kumar. Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran was hearing a writ petition seeking directions to appoint him as the judge of the Telangana High Court.
The CJI, seemingly unhappy with the petition, pointed out that such a prayer was an attempt to mock the collegium system and the Constitution itself.
“I’ll do one thing, I will constitute a bench of the three senior-most judges for a collegium meeting…” CJI Gavai said, adding “this is a mockery of the system!”
“Where have you heard of making a representation and application for appointment as a High Court judge? It’s a mockery of the system!” the bench noted, quoted Live Law.
The apex court opined the Counsel should not have agreed to file such a petition in the first place. “We should withdraw your sanad for filing such a petition,” the court said. The counsel apologised and asked the bench permission to withdraw the petition.
CJI Gavai to retire this month
CJI BR Gavai will retire on Nov 23, and newly appointed Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Surya Kant will take his place on November 24. The Department of Justice in the Union Law Ministry issued a notification announcing his appointment.
He will be the CJI for nearly 15 months and demit office on February 9, 2027 on attaining the age of 65 years.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint Shri Justice Surya Kant, Judge of the Supreme Court of India as the Chief Justice of India with effect from 24th November, 2025,” Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said in a post on X.