The Goa chief secretary was pulled up by the Supreme Court on Thursday for defending the state government’s decision to alter Bombay High Court rules. The rules pertained to the recruitment and services of court employees at the Goa bench.
What infuriated the top court is the fact that without consulting the chief justice of the Bombay High Court the rules were altered and published in his name. The court noted that the rules notified and those submitted to the Goa Government under the authority of the Chief Justice of Bombay High Court are different.
A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih sought his personal appearance in virtual mode and explain his conduct. While terming the action as a brazen act the top court said there is the need to teach him a lesson. “We are shocked to know that he is defending them,” the bench told the Goa government’s counsel. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta sought some time to rectify the error.
The apex court was hearing a su motu case filed on the basis of representations made by former employees of the Bombay High Court. Those employees alleged the non-payment of their terminal dues, including pensionary benefits even after years of their retirement.
The matter is listed for hearing on November 22.
