Jharkhand Files Contempt Petition Over Judge Appointments

The Jharkhand government has filed a contempt petition against the Central Government in the Supreme Court due to significant delays in appointing a permanent Chief Justice for the Jharkhand High Court. The petition highlights that the court has been operating under an acting Chief Justice since December 2023, which undermines judicial independence and the rule of law. The Supreme Court's collegium had recommended Dr. Justice BR Sarangi for the position, but his appointment was delayed for over six months, allowing him only 15 days in office before retirement. Additionally, a subsequent recommendation for Justice MS Ramachandra Rao's transfer from Himachal Pradesh to Jharkhand has yet to receive the Centre's approval. The petition argues that such delays contravene the Supreme Court's 2021 directive, which mandated that appointments should occur within 3-4 weeks after collegium recommendations. This situation reflects ongoing concerns regarding the timely appointment of judges and the functioning of the judiciary in India.