Justice HL Dattu to be the next CJI

September 3, 2014

Justice HL Dattu who joined the highest court in 2008, is all set to take over the topmost post. Justice Dattu who joined as an advocate in 1975, has a long experience in all kinds of cases backing him like it civil, criminal, tax or even Constitutional cases. From 1983 onwards he appeared in before the Karnataka High Court pleader for sales tax department, standing counsel for Income Tax department and later as government advocate. After being designated as a senior standing counsel for I-T department in 1995, Justice Dattu was elevated as a judge of the Karnataka High Court.
He also served as Chief Justice of Chhattisgarh high court for a few months in 2007 and then at Kerala HC. Justice Dattu will have a relatively extended tenure than his predecessors. While Justice Sathasivam – now tipped to be appointed as a Governor – retired in April this year, CJI Lodha will be the second top judge hanging his boots.
The judicial appointments have been an issue recently over the newly passed Judicial Appointments Commission Bill which will overtake the existing collegium system. Known for his statements, former SC judge, Justice Katju now the Chairman of Press Council of India had expressed his disappointment over the appointment process for CJI which is so far purely on the basis of seniority. Mr. Katju was voting in favor for the consideration of merit in the appointment of such a crucial and important post.

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