As per the order of the Supreme Court, the promotion of 40 out of 68 judges as additional judges has been withdrawn. However, 28 out of 68 judges have been relieved. There has been no change in the promotion of 28 judges. Out of 68 judges, 40 have been removed from promotion and appointed as senior civil judges. Out of 68 promoted judges, the promotion of 40 judges has been cancelled.
It is noteworthy that two officers of Gujarat’s senior civil judge cadre had filed an application in the Supreme Court. After which Gujarat High Court has issued an official notification. Earlier, the promotion of 68 judges of the lower court of Gujarat was stopped. The Supreme Court had banned this promotion of judges.
The Supreme Court had made certain observations. On the basis of which this ban was imposed. After which it has been decided to withdraw the promotion of 40 out of 68 judges as additional judges on Monday. Therefore, there has been no change in the promotion of 28 judges.
Earlier, the Supreme Court had reserved the decision
In a hearing held on May 9, the Supreme Court had reserved its verdict on a petition filed against the promotion of 67 lower court judicial officers in Gujarat. On Monday, the arguments of both the parties on this application were completed in the Supreme Court.
A total of 67 judges were transferred and promoted.
Surat Chief Magistrate Court judge HH Verma, who sentenced Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to two years in jail for defamation, was transferred and promoted. Along with him, 67 other judges were also elevated. After this the order was challenged in the Supreme Court.
New list sought on the basis of merit and seniority
The petition sought quashing of the list and notification issued by the state government for appointment of judges to the Gujarat High Court and preparation of a fresh list based on merit and seniority. Justice M.R. A bench headed by Shah heard the matter. Surat Chief Judicial Magistrate and Additional Senior Civil Judge HH Verma was promoted and appointed as the 16th Additional District Judge in Rajkot Court. It was he who gave the verdict in the case of Rahul Gandhi. However, the Supreme Court has stayed the promotion of all these judges.
