Prasad questions SC collegium decision to elevate K'tka judge

Should the Supreme Court collegium not withhold its recommendation to appoint a person as a high court judge till he is cleared of the charges of sexual harassment by a "fair" probe and not "merely by a summary enquiry," Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has asked CJI Dipak Misra.

Escalating the war of words between the Judiciary and the Executive over appointment of judges, Prasad wrote to Justice Misra, saying that a complaint of sexual harassment against a district court judge in Karnataka, recommended for elevation to the high court, had not been handled as per the apex court's guidelines in Vishakha case
Prasad also wondered if "pending the conduct and conclusion of a fair, judicious enquiry conducted by a lady judge which would prove the innocence of the recommended officer (Bhat), the Supreme Court collegium should not withhold the recommendation of his appointment to the high constitutional office."