New Delhi : Dismissing hate speech petition against Victoria Gourti, the Supreme Court made way for Collegium to appoint her as judge. In its ruling, the apex observed that people with political leanings have been appointed as judges before.
Canceling appointment at this point will set a wrong precedent, the Bench said, adding that, asking Collegium to reconsider its recommendation is rather unusual.
The petition against Collegium decision to appoint Victoria as judge was heard by Bench comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and BR Gavai. Meanwhile, at a ceermony held at Madras High Court 10:30 Tuesday morning, Victory Gowri took oath as Additional Judge.
The Bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud was scheduled to hear the petition at 9.15 am when it was suddenly transferred to another Bench. The Centre’s hasty decision to appoint Gouri comes even as plea seeking to disqualify Gouri lay before the Supreme Court. Gouri is accused of making hate speech targetting the Christian and Muslim minorities.
By her own admission, Gouri was General Secretary of BJP’s Mahila Morcha. Soon after she came to be named in the Collegium recommendation list, a petition was filed seeking to disqualify her.
Law Minister Kiren Rijiju announced Gouri’s appointment. The petition was originally slated for the 10th. . Advocate Raju Ramachandran, representing the petitioners, had sought urgent hearing timed today.
