New Delhi: The Delhi High Court, while dismissing a plea challenging the re-appointment of the chairperson of the Railway Claims Tribunal, has imposed a fine of Rs. 50,000 on the petitioner. The court observed that any attempt to vilify judges without any reasonable basis cannot be permitted.
In a decision on March 3, Justice Prathiba Singh, a single judge bench, criticized the Rail Dawa Bar Association, Lucknow, for attempting to cast doubts on the duly constituted Railway Claims Tribunal.
The association had filed a petition challenging the reappointment of Justice (retd) K S Ahluwalia as Chairperson of the Tribunal and had sought directions for the formulation of transparent selection procedures for various posts in the Tribunal.
The Delhi High Court dismissed the petition and imposed a fine of Rs. 50,000 on the petitioner for attempting to vilify judges without any reasonable basis. The association had argued that Justice Ahluwalia was not eligible for reappointment and that the proper procedure was not followed in the appointment process.
According to the association, a Selection Committee had prepared a list of candidates, and Justice Ajit Singh was selected for the appointment, but he declined, and Justice Ahluwalia was offered the post instead of other applicants.
However, the Centre argued that the appointment was made by nomination by the then Chief Justice of India, and Justice Ahluwalia was appointed in 2019 after the Lokayukta of Odisha declined the appointment. A search and selection committee was also constituted, which suggested a panel of two judges to the Government, including the name of Justice Ahluwalia, which was accepted and notified.