Reconsideration of the proposal for appointment of following four Advocates, as Judges of the Karnataka High Court:
- Shri Savanur Vishwajith Shetty,
- Shri Maralur Indrakumar Arun,
- Shri Mohammed Ghouse Shukure Kamal, and
- Shri Engalaguppe Seetharamaiah Indiresh.
As regards Shri Savanur Vishwajith Shetty, his name has been sent back by the Department of Justice to the Collegium for reconsideration with the following observations:
“There is a complaint against Shri Savanur Vishwajith Shettythat he is having nexus with the underworld and land mafia which indulged in extortion.”
In view of the above, the Collegium is inclined to take the view that the allegations in the complaint dated Nil on the basis of which his name has been sent back for reconsideration are not tenable. The Collegium, therefore, resolves to reiterate its recommendation dated 25th March, 2019 for the elevation of Shri Savanur Vishwajith Shetty as Judge of the Karnataka High Court.
As regards Shri Maralur Indrakumar Arun, his name has been sent back by the Department of Justice to the Collegium for reconsideration with the following observations:
“There is a complaint against Shri Maralur Indrakumar Arunstating that he does not have a clean and transparent professional career and indulges in corrupt practices.”
In view of the above, the Collegium is inclined to take the view that the allegations in the complaint dated Nil in light of which his name has been sent back for reconsideration are not tenable. The Collegium, therefore, resolves to reiterate its recommendation dated 25thMarch, 2019 for the elevation of Shri Maralur Indrakumar Arun as Judge of the Karnataka High Court.
As regards Shri Mohammed Ghouse Shukure Kamal, his name has been sent back by the Department of Justice to the Collegium for reconsideration with the following observation:
“Shri Mohammed Ghouse Shukure Kamal has limited practice in the High Court.”
Collegium resolves to reiterate its recommendation dated 25th March, 2019 for the elevation of Shri Mohammed Ghouse Shukure Kamal as Judge of the Karnataka High Court.
As regards Shri Engalaguppe Seetharamaiah Indiresh, his name has been sent back by the Department of Justice to the Collegium for reconsideration, inter alia, on the ground that he is one of the parties to disputes in High Court.
The basis on which the Government has sent back the name of Shri Engalaguppe Seetharamaiah Indiresh for reconsideration to the Collegium is apparently not tenable.
Collegium, therefore, resolves to reiterate its recommendation dated 25th March, 2019 for elevation of Shri Engalaguppe Seetharamaiah Indiresh as Judge of the Karnataka High Court.
Having regard to acute shortage of Judges in Karnataka High Court it would be appropriate if the above proposal is processed expeditiously.
Supreme Court of India
[Notification dt. 03-10-2019]