CJI R.M. Lodha unhappy with Govt. over Gopal Subramanium row

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Chief Justice of India R.M. Lodha on Tuesday expressed his displeasure over former Solicitor General Gopal Subramanium being dropped from being considered for the post of a Supreme Court judge.

"The move to segregate Gopal Subramanium's name was done unilaterally by the executive without my knowledge and consent," Lodha said.

"I will not hold my office for even a second if the independence of judiciary has been compromised," he added.

He also said that the appointment of a high constitutional position has been dealt with in 'a casual manner'.

"What is more precious to me is the institution for which I have worked as the Chief Justice of High Court, a Judge of the Supreme Court and the Chief Justice of India," he added.

In a letter sent to the Chief Justice of India, Subramaniam had withdrawn his nomination for judge of the apex court.

"I'm fully conscious that my independence as a lawyer is causing apprehensions that I will not toe the government line. This factor has been decisive in refusing to appoint me," he stated in his letter to the CJI.

The government had apparently received a 'negative' report from the CBI about the lawyer who had represented the UPA Government in the 2G scam. It was also alleged that he has links with corporate lobbyist Nira Radia.

Citing the CBI report, the government had asked the Supreme Court collegium to reconsider Subramaniam's nomination.

However, the government had cleared the names of Calcutta High Court Chief Justice Arun Mishra, Orissa High Court Chief Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel and senior advocate Rohinton Nariman for appointment as SC judges.