Date:28/07/2002 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2002/07/28/stories/2002072804420100.htm

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Centre's nod for Srikrishna's elevation

By J. Venkatesan

NEW DELHI JULY 27. With the Supreme Court collegium reiterating its recommendation for elevating the Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court, Srikrishna, the Centre is said to have relented and given its nod for the proposal. And, Justice Srikrishna, along with Justice Kalla of the Rajasthan High Court, are soon to be appointed judges of the Supreme Court.

Sources here said the name of Justice Srikrishna, who headed an Enquiry Commission that probed the December 1992 and January 1993 Mumbai riots, was earlier recommended for elevation just before the retirement of the former Chief Justice of India, S.P. Bharucha. At that time, the Centre had reservations against him in view of the fact that he, in his capacity as commission chairman, had strongly indicted the then BJP-Shiv Sena Government in Maharashtra.

Therefore, instead of openly disapproving of Justice Srikrishna's name, the Centre is said to have brought to the notice of the apex court that Rajasthan was without any representation for over three years and, hence, a judge from Rajasthan could be considered for elevation.

But after the retirement of Justice Bharucha (in May) and Justice R.P. Sethi (in July), two vacancies have arisen. After favourably considering the Centre's suggestion, the collegium once again recommended Justice Srikrishna, along with Justice Kalla. In the light of this recommendation, the Government had no option but to approve the two names, the sources said.