Whistleblower’s Case: A Record of Judicial Recusals
DEHRADUN: In a remarkable turn of events, two more judges from the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) – Harvinder Kaur Oberoi and B Anand – have recused themselves from hearing cases involving IFS officer Sanjiv Chaturvedi. This brings the total number of judicial recusals in his cases to an unprecedented 13, a figure that legal experts are calling a record.
Background on the Recusals
So far, the list includes two Supreme Court judges, two Uttarakhand High Court judges, the CAT chairman, a Shimla trial court judge, and seven CAT judges from Delhi and Allahabad benches. In a recent order dated February 19, the CAT bench directed the registry not to list Chaturvedi’s cases any further without providing specific reasoning.
Chaturvedi’s Ongoing Legal Battle
According to Chaturvedi’s counsel, Sudershan Goel, the current matter pertains to his appraisal report. The Uttarakhand High Court had previously directed in 2018 that Chaturvedi’s service matters be heard exclusively at the Nainital circuit bench, a decision upheld by the Supreme Court. The Centre’s challenge to this decision has led to further complexities.
Whistleblower Recognition
Sanjiv Chaturvedi gained prominence in 2007 after exposing significant scams in the Haryana forest department, leading to a series of punitive transfers. His efforts earned him the title of ‘whistleblower’ in 2012, along with the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award, recognizing his commitment to integrity and transparency.
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