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Saurabh Malik
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, January 21
The Punjab and Haryana High Court is believed to have finalised the names of eight advocates for elevation as HC judges. The names were reportedly finalised by the High Court collegium comprising Chief Justice Krishna Murari, Justice AK Mittal and Justice Mahesh Grover. So far, there is no official confirmation in this regard.
Available information suggests the names were finalised after the High Court called for bio-data from the advocates. Indications are that more than 20 resumes were examined by the collegium before the names were shortlisted.
Soon after the finalisation of the recommendations, the names are forwarded to both Punjab and Haryana Governments, along with the Supreme Court, in accordance with the prescribed procedure. The list is finally placed before the Supreme Court collegium and the names finding favour after considering the intelligence bureau report and other factors are sent to the Union Law Ministry before the issuance of the appointment order by the President.
At present, the High Court with just 53 judges, against the sanctioned strength of 85, is among the top three courts in the country in terms of vacancies. The other two courts facing shortage are Allahabad and Madras.
It is believed that the advocates recommended by the High Court collegium for elevation are JS Puri, Puneet Bali, Vikas Bahl, Alka Sarin, Girish Agnihotri, Suvir Sehgal, Kamal Sehgal and IPS Doabia. The names are yet to be confirmed by the High Court. Bali is believed to be among the highest tax payers.