CJI Says Centre Should Seek Adjournment Till His Retirement
B. R. Gavai, the Chief Justice of India (CJI), on Thursday criticised the central government’s repeated requests for adjournment in petitions challenging the Tribunal Reforms (Rationalisation and Conditions of Service) Act, 2021. The matter came up before the Supreme Court, where the Attorney General sought a postponement even after arguments had concluded. The CJI asked pointedly: “Why don’t you seek adjournment till I retire?”
Concerns Over Judicial Process
The CJI noted that the government had already been accommodated twice and said the fresh request appeared “very unfair to the court”. He implied that delaying the matter until his retirement — scheduled for November 24 — might have been a more transparent approach than repeatedly pushing adjournments during the hearing.
Broader Implications for the Case
The petitions question the constitutionality of several provisions of the Tribunal Reforms Act, which governs the appointment and terms of service for tribunal members. By expressing discomfort at the adjournment requests, the Chief Justice signalled concern over potential tactics to avoid adjudication before his tenure ends. The bench is expected to proceed with urgency.
