In a surprising move, the Supreme Court Collegium has instructed the Gujarat High Court to revisit its proposal to promote advocate Tejal Vashi to the position of High Court judge.
The Collegium, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud alongside Justices Sanjiv Khanna and BR Gavai, has sent the recommendation back to the Chief Justice of Gujarat High Court for further consideration.
The official resolution cited that while the Gujarat High Court’s Chief Justice had previously endorsed Vashi’s candidacy, the Collegium noted the absence of feedback from the state’s Chief Minister and Governor. According to procedural guidelines, if state authorities do not respond within a set timeframe, it is presumed they have no objections.
Despite positive feedback from Gujarat’s consultee-judges about Vashi’s qualifications, the Collegium decided it was prudent to delay her appointment and re-evaluate her candidacy alongside other potential candidates in the future.
Currently, the Gujarat High Court, with a full strength of 52 judges, is operating with 29, leaving a significant vacancy of 23 positions.
