Will the Govt Take Over Judge Appointments? Justice Verma Cash Scandal Sparks Big Debate!

Justice Yashwant Verma Cash Row: Debate has begun on the appointment of judges after cash was found at the house of Delhi High Court judge Yashwant Verma. The Centre may consider the NJAC law. Meanwhile, Justice Verma was transferred to Allahabad High Court.

Pallavi Ghosh

A new debate has begun on the appointment of judges after a huge cache of notes was found at the house of Delhi High Court judge Yashwant Verma. There are indications that the Central Government is considering bringing another law on the appointment of judges. A few years ago, such an attempt was made and efforts were made to form the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC), but the Supreme Court created hurdles in it. But now an attempt may be made once again.

According to sources, discussions have just begun on this, but it seems that the central government is not ruling out this option. It can be made easier if the opposition, especially the Congress, agrees to this. Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh had raised this issue on March 21. Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar had referred to the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act and said that it is very important. The statements of both indicate the government's plans.

Serious consideration is being made

On Monday, Dhankhar called a meeting of Leader of the House JP Nadda and Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge in his chamber. Without naming them, he pointed to a law like the NJAC Act. This law was passed in 2014 but was repealed by the Supreme Court the following year. Dhankhar said, you will remember the mechanism passed by this House almost unanimously. I want to know its status. This Parliament, with unprecedented consensus, passed a law to tackle this disease. If this disease had been tackled, we might not have had to face such issues.” He was probably referring to the notes found at Justice Verma's house.

Discussion only on cash found

Sources said that the cash found at the judge's house was discussed in this meeting. Although a law like the NJAC Act was not discussed or finalised, the suggestion was that something more than the existing law should be done so that the image of the judiciary is not harmed and there is no compromise. At present, most of the opposition is in favour of changes in the existing system. The Vice President is going to call an all-party meeting soon to take this matter forward.

Justice Verma transferred to Allahabad High Court

After a large amount of cash was allegedly found after a fire broke out in Justice Yashwant Verma's official residence, an investigation is now being conducted against him till further orders. The Supreme Court Collegium headed by Chief Justice Sanjeev Khanna on Monday recommended his transfer to the Allahabad High Court soon after the Delhi High Court withdrew work from him. Now he has been transferred to the Allahabad High Court.