Expressing serious concern over repeated recusals by four judges of the Punjab and Haryana High Court in a case filed by a former judicial officer challenging his dismissal from service, the Supreme Court on Wednesday said “three or four so-called senior advocates creating havoc” in the High Court.
“I would like to know who the judges are. So, then I am going to make an inquiry about what kind of activities you are indulging in,” a Bench led by CJI Surya Kant said after petitioner-in-person Amrish Kumar Jain said that four Benches of the High Court had recused themselves in the case.
Jain sought transfer of his case after multiple Benches of the Punjab and Haryana High Court recused themselves from hearing his petition against dismissal from service.
“I know there are three-four senior advocates who are involved in this kind of thing. I am closely watching the thing. The three or four so-called senior advocates are creating havoc. Better you argue yourself,” the CJI said.
“I will ask the Chief Justice (of the High Court) to constitute a Bench. The moment you try to play any mischief, serious consequences will be there. We will monitor the matter from here,” the CJI said.
The petitioner said Justice Lisa Gill first recused and thereafter the then Chief Justice recused after reserving the matter, followed by Justice Ashwini Kumar Mishra and Justice Dipak Sibal. He said his applications for release of pension and General Provident Fund (GPF) dues had also not been considered.
Finally, the top court requested the Acting Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court to constitute a Division Bench of two judges to hear the matter.
“The learned judges are advised not to recuse in the matter, irrespective of the situations that may be created by anyone,” it said.
Directing the matter to be heard on a day-to-day basis beginning July 13, the top court asked the High Court’s Registrar General to send a compliance report to it.
