In Brief
Two petitioners—a religious preacher and an industrialist—filed an urgent writ petition challenging the appointment procedure for the next Chief Justice of India, alleging violations of Articles 124(2), 124(3), and 124A of the Constitution. The petition was filed just one working day before the oath-taking ceremony. The Court found the petition wholly misconceived: the incumbent Chief Justice's recommendation is constitutionally authorized; Article 124(3) concerns qualifications, not procedure; and Article 124A had been declared ultra vires. The Court dismissed the petition as a publicity stunt lacking any factual basis against the appointee, imposed costs of ₹10 lakh on each petitioner, and cautioned against similar frivolous filings.
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.