The Central Government on Thursday notified appointment of Justice Savanur Vishwajith Shetty as Additional Judge of Karnataka High Court for a period of two years.
The recommendation for elevation was made by the Supreme Court Collegium on 25th March, 2019. On the said recommendation, the Central Government took objection and the name of the Judge was remitted back to the Supreme Court Collegium for reconsideration and accused the judge of having nexus with underworld & land mafia which indulged in extortion.
The Collegium noted that as regards to 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 Shetty that he is having nexus with underworld and land mafia which indulged in extortion.”
The Collegium has perused the complaint in this regard levelling allegations against Shri Savanur Vishwajith Shetty. The allegations in the complaint have not been verified at any level at any point of time. Besides, Intelligence Bureau in its report has, inter alia, recorded that he enjoys good personal and professional image and nothing adverse came to notice against his integrity. Besides, all the consultee – Judges have found him suitable for elevation.
“In view of 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 elevation of Shri Savanur Vishwajith Shetty as Judge of the Karnataka High Court” said the Supreme Court Collegium in it proposal dated 3rd of October, 2019.
The President of India on receiving reiteration from the Supreme Court has appointed Shri Savanur Vishwajith Shetty, to be an Additional Judge of the Karnataka High Court, for a period of two years with effect from the date he assumes charge of his office.
-India Legal Bureau