SC Directs Himachal Pradesh Collegium to Reevaluate Judge Elevations

The Supreme Court has asked the Himachal Pradesh Collegium to collectively reconsider the nominations of two senior district judges for elevation to the High Court, pointing out a procedural flaw in the original decision-making process.

The Supreme Court on Friday directed the Himachal Pradesh Collegium to reassess the proposed elevation of two senior district judges to the state High Court. Justices Hrishikesh Roy and Prashant Kumar Mishra expressed concerns that the decision was made solely by the Chief Justice without collective consultation.

The bench emphasized that the collegium must deliberate collectively, in line with Supreme Court resolutions, on the recommendations of judges Chirag Bhanu Singh and Arvind Malhotra. The court flagged procedural issues in the High Court's decision-making process.

The implicated judges accused the HC Collegium of overlooking their merit and seniority in favor of other candidates. A detailed order is awaited.

(With inputs from agencies.)