Ambika Bhardwaj
Published On: January 25, 2022 at 20:35 IST
The Petition which questioned the appointment of Indian Police Service (IPS) Officer Rakesh Asthana as Delhi Police Commissioner, its hearing has been adjourned by the Supreme Court on Tuesday until February 9.
A Bench led by Justice DY Chandrachud scheduled the final argument on the NGO Centre for Public Interest Litigation’s (CPIL) Petition questioning Mr Asthana’s appointment as Delhi Police Commissioner for February 9.
February 9 and 10 has been scheduled by the Court for the hearing the petition.
Tushar Mehta, Solicitor General, represents the Centre, while Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi represents Mr Asthana.
The NGO CPIL had approached the Supreme Court in an Appeal against the Delhi High Court’s October 12, 2021 order upholding the Centre’s decision to appoint Mr Asthana.
The Central Government told the Supreme Court that there was a “compelling necessity” to appoint Rakesh Asthana as the Delhi Police Commissioner, because of the National Capital’s “incredibly challenging circumstances” in terms of public order, policing issues, and their consequences for national security.
While attempting to justify Mr Asthana’s appointment as Delhi Police Commissioner, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) told the Supreme Court through an Affidavit that Mr Asthana was appointed as a “specific case of public interest.”
The Affidavit was lodged in response to a Petition filed by the NGO CPIL challenging the Delhi High Court’s decision to uphold Mr Asthana’s appointment as police chief.
The Delhi High Court while rejecting a PIL that was questioning Mr Asthana’s appointment, stated that the Centre’s explanation and reasons for appointing Mr Asthana are credible, and that no Judicial Review is required.
The NGO’s Plea asks the Supreme Court to overturn the Centre’s decision of appointing Mr Asthana after he extended his service period.