The Punjab and Haryana High Court has summoned the Chief Secretary of the Haryana government to explain the rejection of the High Court’s recommendation to promote 13 Civil Service (Judicial Branch) Officers to the positions of Additional and District Sessions judges. The Court expressed displeasure with the language used in the rejection letter, deeming it contemptuous.
Controversial Rejection Letter The rejection letter, signed by Joint Secretary Rashmi Grover, suggested that the High Court’s arbitrary recommendations for promotions did not have any binding value. It further emphasized the High Court’s duty to provide advice and opinions to the Governor and the need to avoid arbitrary actions.
Court Views Letter as Contemptuous Justice GS Sandhawalia and Justice Harpreet Kaur Jeewan of the High Court took a serious view of the statements in the letter and initially summoned the Joint Secretary to explain it. The Joint Secretary informed the Court that the letter was endorsed by the Chief Minister, leading to the summons of the Chief Secretary.
Access to Original State File Requested The Court also requested access to the original State file to determine who was responsible for approving the controversial letter.
Chief Secretary’s Appearance The Chief Secretary is expected to appear before the Court to provide an explanation. The matter will be heard later today.
Legal Representation Senior Advocate Gurminder Singh and advocate Simurita Singh represented the petitioners. Advocate General BR Mahajan and Deputy Advocate General Arun Beniwal appeared for the Haryana government, while Senior Advocate Munisha Gandhi and advocate Shubreet Kaur Saron represented another respondent in the case.**
This development underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in government decisions, especially those concerning judicial promotions.
