Delay in Justice K M Joseph's elevation to SC evokes mixed reactions

The elevation of one of the two jurists recommended by the collegium as Supreme Court judges, today evoked sharp reaction with the apex court's bar association chief terming as "disturbing" the government's action of accepting only one name and asking it to reconsider the name of Justice K M Joseph.

Activist lawyer Prashant Bhushan shared the views of senior advocate Vikas Singh, the Supreme Court Bar Association President, even as BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, a regular petitioner in the apex court, said the Congress' stand on the issue reflected its frustration.

Swamy's comment assumes significance as the Congress leadership including P Chidambaram, himself a senior advocate, were critical of the Centre's decision and tweeted that the recommendation of the collegium was final and binding in the appointment of judges.

"Is the Modi government above the law," Chidambaram tweeted. "What is holding up Justice K M Joseph's appointment? His state, or his religion or his judgement in the Uttarakhand case?"