Collegium asks Centre to reconsider Advocate R John Sathyan to be appointed as a Madras High Court judge

On March 21, 2023, the issue of Centre overlooking reiterated names was addressed by the Collegium comprising Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, Justice KM Joseph, and Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul. The Collegium expressed its displeasure over the Central Government as it refused the appointment recommendation of Advocate R John Sathyan as a Madras High Court judge. The elevation was rejected by the Central government because of the article he shared concerning Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In the resolution, Advocate John Sathyan’s case was clearly mentioned, despite that the Collegium reiterated his recommendation on 17th January 2023. The Collegium specifically stated that Advocate Sathyan should be given precedence over other newly recommended candidates to be appointed as Madras High Court judge. On March 21, the Collegium recommended four names in the resolution to be appointed as judges in the Madras High Court. The recommended names include R Sakthivel, Chinnasamy Kumparappan, K Rajasekar, and P Dhanabal.
The resolution highlighted that “The Collegium is of the considered view that necessary action for the issuance of a notification for the elevation of persons who have been recommended earlier in point of time should be taken at the earliest including the name of Shri R John Sathyan which has been reiterated by this Collegium on 17 January 2023. The names which have been recommended earlier in point of time including the reiterated names ought not to be withheld or overlooked as this disturbs their seniority whereas those recommended later steal march on them. Loss of seniority of candidates recommended earlier in point of time has been noted by the Collegium and is a matter of grave concern.

Also Read: Supreme Court Updates