Centre sitting on names of judges approved by Collegium: SC

The Supreme Court on Monday noted that consideration of name of judges recommended by the Collegium for appointments in the High Courts has been delayed by the Centre for months.A bench headed by Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul observed that most of the names recommended have crossed the 4-month limit and they have not received any information yet.The court also noted that some names are pending for the last one-and-a- half years.The Supreme Court remarked that it appears that the government is unhappy that the NJAC did not pass Constitutional muster and said that can be the reason to not clear the names.Holding the names for a long time frustrates the system, the court said. Supreme Court asked the Attorney General of India and the Solicitor General to ensure that the law of the land laid down by this court is followed.The Supreme Court asked AG and SG to convey the sentiments of the bench to the government. During the hearing, Senior Advocate Vikas Singh mentioned the Law Minister’s statement on Collegium.