Order
1. Mr Mukul Rohatgi, learned Additional Solicitor-General, brings to our notice that there is an order of stay passed by this Court which is hindering the recruitment of the Judicial Officers. Hopefully, that petition will be disposed of at an early date and/or the interim orders varied so as to permit recruitment to be made to Delhi Judicial Service.
2. Affidavits have been filed on behalf of the Union of India and the Delhi High Court. Affidavits by the Bar Associations and the Delhi Government be filed within two weeks. Rejoinder, if any, be filed within two weeks thereafter.
3. Mr Rohatgi also informs us that in the last recruitment only 6 persons were selected though 40 vacancies were advertised. It is indeed surprising that not more than 6 persons were regarded as being of suitable material, so to say, to be appointed as judges. What has to be seen is the potential in the candidate: whether a person is intelligent and will in due course of time become a good judge. It may not be necessary for him to be academically brilliant or knowing all the law at the time when the process of selection is undertaken. What has to be seen is, as we have already observed, whether the candidate has the attributes of becoming a good Judicial Officer, namely, integrity, honesty, basic knowledge of law and robust common sense. We hope that in future more Judicial Officers would be selected and efforts should be made to advertise for the remaining vacancies also to be filled.
4. The learned Solicitor-General will take instructions and inform the Court on the next date as to when the Central Government will vacate the premises in their occupation in Patiala House and when the offices in occupation of the Delhi Administration will be vacated from Tees Hazari. Under no circumstances should these offices continue to be occupied by the Administrative Wing of the Government beyond 31-3-2001.
5. Mr Rohatgi also states that about 15 courtrooms are still vacant in Karkardooma Court. We direct that sufficient number of Judicial Officers be deputed so as to ensure that all courtrooms become functional by 1-2-2001.
6. List after six weeks.
Court Masters