The Supreme Court Collegium led by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi has recommended the names of Karnataka High Court Chief Justice Dinesh Maheshwari and Delhi High Court judge Justice Sanjiv Khanna, for appointment as judges of the apex court.
Justice Maheshwari was the subject of a letter written by Justice J.S. Chelameswar, now retired, to then Chief Justice Dipak Misra early in March 2018.
Justice Chelameswar, in his letter, had questioned an enquiry initiated by Justice Maheshwari against a judge recommended twice by the Supreme Court Collegium for elevation to the High Court.
Justice Maheshwari had begun the enquiry solely on the basis of a letter from the government and Justice Chelameswar had asked Chief Justice Misra to call a Full Court meeting of the Supreme Court to discuss the issue.
As per norms, the Centre does not directly communicate with the High Courts after the Supreme Court Collegium has recommended a name for elevation.
Justice Khanna was appointed as a judge of the Delhi High Court in June 2005 and continue there ever since. The apex court is presently functioning with 26 judges. The sanctioned judicial strength is 31.