New Delhi : Even while deferring reconsideration of Uttarakhand Chief Justice K M Joseph’s promotion to the Supreme Court, the 5-judge collegium on Wednesday considered names of judges of three other High Courts for elevation citing “the concept of fair representation” noted by the Centre in returning Joseph’s file.
It considered the names of judges from Calcutta, Rajasthan and Telangana and Andhra Pradesh High Courts but “deferred” the decision, without giving next date of the meeting.
There are altogether six vacancies in the Apex Court as against its sanctioned strength of 31. The collegium note put on the Supreme Court website indicates that it may recommend at least four judges to fill the vacancies.
The collegium headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra was attended by all other four senior judges, namely Justices J Chelameswar, Ranjan Gogoi, Madan B Lokur and Kurian Joseph. Justice Chelameswar did not attend the court on Wednesday but he attended the collegium meeting.