The Centre’s reported move to appoint former Chief Justice of India P. Sathasivam as Governor of Kerala has come in for criticism both from political parties and from the legal community.
Asked about the Congress’ response to the move, party spokesman Abhishek Manu Singhvi said on Monday, “It’s best I am restrained on such sensitive matters from this podium.” But “as there is no actual appointment letter issued,” he felt it was “regrettable” that “the exalted position of the CJI” should have been downgraded in this way. “It is inappropriate for the giver and the receiver,” he said.
Eminent Supreme Court lawyer Fali Nariman was equally scathing: “I do not appreciate or approve of the idea of a former Chief Justice of India or a judge of the Supreme Court accepting a sinecure appointment like that of a Governor. Judges “seeking jobs” or “a seat in Parliament” from the Executive gravely affects the concept of “independence of the judiciary” — proudly and repeatedly proclaimed - alas only by sitting judges of the Supreme Court (!) — as a ‘basic feature of the Constitution’.”
