Opp’n objects to appointment of ex-BJP spokesperson as HC judge
The appointment of former BJP spokesperson Aarti Sathe as a judge of the Bombay High Court has sparked a controversy, with opposition parties in Maharashtra raising objections to her selection. The opposition parties have claimed that the appointment is a blow to democracy and the impartiality of the judicial system.
According to reports, the opposition Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has termed the appointment as “shocking” and “unacceptable”. Rohit Pawar, the NCP’s spokesperson, has stated that the appointment is a “greatest blow to democracy” and has raised concerns over the impartiality of the judicial system. Pawar has also questioned the criteria and procedure followed by the government in making the appointment.
The Congress party has also joined the chorus of opposition to Sathe’s appointment. The state unit president of the Congress, Harshwardhan Sapkal, has hinted that the judiciary is functioning under the government’s directives. Sapkal has stated that the appointment is a “clear indication” of the government’s interference in the functioning of the judiciary.
The opposition parties have also pointed out that Sathe has no experience in the legal profession, which raises questions over her suitability for the post of a high court judge. Sathe has been a lawyer for just a few years and has mostly worked as a spokesperson for the BJP. The opposition parties have claimed that her appointment is a reward for her loyalty to the BJP and not based on her merit or qualifications.
The opposition parties have also accused the government of bypassing the usual procedure for appointing judges to the high court. According to the usual procedure, a judicial appointment is made after a thorough scrutiny of the candidate’s credentials and a recommendation by the Chief Justice of the High Court. However, in Sathe’s case, the government has reportedly ignored the recommendations of the Chief Justice and appointed her directly.
The opposition parties have demanded that the appointment be revoked and a fresh process be initiated to select a suitable candidate for the post of a high court judge. The opposition parties have also accused the government of compromising the independence of the judiciary by appointing a candidate who is perceived to be biased towards the ruling party.
The controversy over Sathe’s appointment has also raised questions over the transparency and accountability of the government in making judicial appointments. The opposition parties have claimed that the government is using its power to pack the judiciary with loyalists and is compromising the independence of the judiciary.
The BJP, on the other hand, has defended Sathe’s appointment, terming it as a “merit-based” decision. The party has claimed that Sathe has the necessary qualifications and experience to be a high court judge and that her appointment is based on her merits and not her political affiliation.
The controversy over Sathe’s appointment is likely to have far-reaching implications for the judiciary in Maharashtra. The opposition parties have vowed to continue their protests against the appointment and have demanded that the government take immediate action to revoke the appointment.
In conclusion, the appointment of Aarti Sathe as a judge of the Bombay High Court has sparked a controversy, with opposition parties in Maharashtra raising objections to her selection. The opposition parties have claimed that the appointment is a blow to democracy and the impartiality of the judicial system, and have demanded that the appointment be revoked and a fresh process be initiated to select a suitable candidate for the post of a high court judge. The controversy has raised questions over the transparency and accountability of the government in making judicial appointments and has implications for the independence of the judiciary in Maharashtra.
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