- SC recommends Justice Chakradhari as Orissa HC Chief Justice
The News Freedom
Chandigarh, November 2
The Supreme Court Collegium on Thursday recommended the name of Punjab and Haryana High Court judge Justice Ritu Bahri for appointment as the Chief Justice of Uttarakhand High Court. “Having regard to all relevant factors, the Collegium is of the considered view that Justice Ritu Bahri is fit and suitable in all respects for being appointed as the Chief Justice of the High Court of Uttarakhand.” the Collegium comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice Sanjiv Khanna said.
In a resolution, the Collegium said that Justice Ritu Bahri was appointed as a Judge of the High Court of Punjab and Haryana on 16 August 2010 and is the senior-most puisne Judge in her parent High Court. Before her elevation as a Judge of the High Court, after enrolment at the Bar in 1986 she practised at the High Court of Punjab and Haryana. Her area of practice was civil, constitutional, taxation, labour and service matters.
“She specialised in service and tax matters. During her practice of 24 years she also served as Assistant Advocate General, Deputy Advocate General and as senior Deputy Advocate General for the State of Haryana. As regards her contribution to the judiciary by way of disposal of cases, during her tenure of 13 years as a Judge of High Court, she authored 843 reported judgments of which 247 were delivered during last 5 years.” the Collegium said.
“ She has acquired extensive experience in dispensing justice in one of the largest High Courts in the country. She is a competent judge endowed with high level of integrity, conduct and character.” the Collegium said.
The Collegium said that while recommending the name of Justice Ritu Bahri as the Chief Justice, the Collegium has also taken into consideration the fact that the High Court of Punjab and Haryana has jurisdiction over two large states and at present there is only one Chief Justice to represent the High Court of Punjab and Haryana from among the Chief Justices of the High Courts. Besides, at present there is only one woman Chief Justice and her elevation would enhance representation of women among the Chief Justices of the High Courts.
In addition to it, the Supreme Court Collegium also recommended the appointment of Justice Chakradhari Sharan Singh as the Chief Justice of the Orissa High Court on Thursday.
Providing details about Justice Chakradhari, the Collegium said that Justice Chakradhari Sharan Singh was appointed as a Judge of the High Court of Judicature at Patna on 5 April 2012 and has been functioning there as the senior-most puisne Judge. Before his elevation as a Judge of the High Court, he was enrolled at the Bar in 1990 and practised at the High Court of Judicature at Patna. His area of practice was constitutional, service, criminal and arbitration matters. During his practice of 22 years he also served as Additional Advocate General for the State of Bihar since December 2010 till his elevation as a Judge of High Court.
“ As regards his contribution to the judiciary by way of disposal of cases, during his tenure of more than 11 years as a Judge of High Court, he authored 1246 reported judgments, of which 562 were delivered during last 5 years. He has maintained high standard of professional ethics at the Bar and Bench and enjoys good reputation for conduct and integrity” the Supreme Court said.
The Collegium said in a resolution that while recommending the name of Justice Chakradhari Sharan Singh, the Collegium has also taken into consideration the fact that at present the High Court of Judicature at Patna has no representation among the Chief Justices of High Courts. “Having regard to all relevant factors, the Collegium is of the considered view that Justice Chakradhari Sharan Singh is fit and suitable in all respects for being appointed as the Chief Justice of the High Court of Orissa. The Collegium, therefore, resolves to recommend the appointment of Justice Chakradhari Sharan Singh as the Chief Justice of the High Court of Orissa.” the Collegium said.
