A standoff is brewing between the Centre and the Supreme Court.
The Central government on Thursday refused to formulate a draft memorandum of procedure (MoP) to be followed by the Supreme Court collegium for appointments of judges to the higher judiciary.
The development came just a day after the apex court had asked the Centre to frame the draft MoP for future appointments in higher judiciary after considering all suggestions on the issue.
Attorney General Mukul Rohtagi, on behalf of the Centre, told the Supreme Court today that it is not possible to give draft MoP for vetting by judiciary.
Rohtagi, instead, asked the court to pass directions on the issue.
The government is believed to be upset after its bid to replace the collegium system was thwarted by the Supreme Court recently.
During the hearing, senior advocate Gopal Subramaniam had opposed the apex court’s direction to the Centre arguing “suggestions are welcome” but the executive cannot be allowed to draft even the draft memorandum.
He referred to the judgement, striking down the National Judicial Appointments Commission Act and 99th constitutional amendment, and said the prime reason for his objection was the endeavour to protect judicial independence and hence, the executive cannot be allowed now to have a role.
