In Brief
The Supreme Court examined a contempt petition concerning appointments to the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal. Of 41 candidates recommended by the Search cum Selection Committee, only 22 were appointed by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, citing subsequent inputs and feedback. The Court held that feedback and subsequent material must be placed before the SCSC to allow reconsideration. As a general practice, all inputs should be provided to the SCSC before it makes recommendations. The Court decided not to exercise contempt jurisdiction as the government fairly acknowledged procedural concerns and undertook to remedy them prospectively. Vacancies shall be filled after the SCSC reconsiders the material.
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.