New Delhi

The Supreme Court on Friday expressed its strong discontent over delay in appointment of judges, saying, "needless to say that unless the bench is adorned by competent lawyers, the very concept of rule of law and justice suffers".

A bench of Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Abhay S Oka said: "If we look at the position of pending cases for consideration, there are 11 cases pending with the government which were cleared by the Collegium and yet are awaiting appointments."

It added there are also 10 names pending with the government which have been reiterated by the Supreme Court collegium starting from September 4, 2021 to July 18, 2022.

The bench further added that among the names, the reconsideration has been sought by the government on cases where despite second reiteration, the person was not appointed and consequently withdrew the consent and the system lost the opportunity of having an eminent designated senior advocate on the bench.

The bench said: "We are really unable to understand or appreciate such delays."

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The top court passed the order on the contempt plea filed by the Advocates Association Bengaluru, through advocate Pai Amit. The plea said the Centre has not complied with the directions of the apex court in connection with the time schedule set for the appointment of judges.