Centre vs AAP: Punjab Cabinet passes resolution against Justice Ashwani Mishra's appointment; SAD slams move
PTC News Desk: The Punjab cabinet on Sunday passed a resolution objecting to the appointment of the new Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
The Cabinet has meanwhile appealed to the President, Prime Minister and the Punjab Governor to not administer the oath of office to Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra until the state government gives its consent.
The Supreme Court Collegium had recommended Justice Ashwani Mishra’s appointment as Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court on August 6. Following the recommendation, the President has now issued the order approving his appointment.
Justice Ashwani Mishra will take the oath and officially assume charge as Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court on September 7.
AAP raises objection over elevation
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema raised strong objections over Justice Ashwani Mishra's elevation as Punjab and Haryana Chief Justice, alleging that the Centre was 'doing injustice to Punjab' by taking unilateral decisions on matters concerning the state.
“The manner in which this appointment has been made raises serious questions about the Centre’s respect for Punjab’s constitutional rights and the federal structure of the country. The Punjab Government was not given an opportunity to present its views before the appointment was finalised,” he said.
“Despite the procedure clearly requiring the State’s views to be taken into consideration, the Punjab Government’s consultation wasn’t taken before the appointment of the Chief Justice. This is not merely an issue concerning an appointment; it is an issue concerning the rights of Punjab and the constitutional federal structure,” said the Finance Minister.
Earlier the Punjab Cabinet convened an emergency meeting at the backdrop of the notification confirming the appointment of Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra as the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Notably, he has been serving as the acting Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
SAD slams AAP
Meanwhile the Shiromani Akali Dal has criticised Punjab Government's objection to the appointment of Justice Mishra as Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court and said that such questioning undermines the independence of the judiciary and the dignity of constitutional institutions.
"At a time when the High Court has been delivering several strict rulings against the Punjab government and allegations of corruption involving people holding top positions in the government have reached a serious stage, raising a controversy over the judiciary raises serious questions about the government’s intentions," said SAD chief spokesperson Arshdeep Singh Kler.
He added further, 'the Shiromani Akali Dal has always stood firmly for an independent judiciary and strong constitutional institutions. The party will continue to raise its voice at every level to protect their independence and integrity.'
- PTC NEWS
