Second senior most Supreme Court Judge AK Sikri, who was part of the High-Powered Committee that removed Alok Verma for the top CBI post, was reportedly expected to join Commonwealth Secretariat Arbitral Tribunal (CSAT) after his retirement on 6 March, reports say.
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government, in December 2018, had decided to nominate Sikri to the vacant post of president/member in the London-based CSAT, The Print reported.
However, The Indian Express reported that Sikri has written to Ministry of Law and Justice on Sunday, 13 January, to formally turn down the Centre’s offer.
The members of the prestigious tribunal are appointed for a four-year term, which may be renewed for one more term.
Sikri was recently in news for being a part of the High Powered Selection Committee that removed Alok Verma as the CBI director after being reinstated to the post by the Supreme Court.
Second in command to Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi, Justice AK Sikri’s vote swung the committee’s decision, leading to Verma’s ouster on 8 January. The committee saw voting from PM Modi, Justice Sikri and Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge, where PM Modi and Sikri stamped on Verma’s removal as the CBI director. Kharge, however, presented a strong dissent note.
Concerns echoing Sikri’s decision to accept an executive position have also been made, reported Bar and Bench.
Katju Rises to Sikri’s Defence
Retired Justice Markandey Katju has categorically dubbed the reports of Sikri’s nomination to CSAT as incorrect.
Justice Katju has also tweeted that he will ‘publish the correct facts in detail’ on Monday.
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