NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed petitions challenging the appointment of advocate Lekshmana Chandra Victoria Gowri as an additional judge of the Madras High Court as appointed on Monday.
Her appointment was challenged on the grounds of her alleged affiliation to the BJP.
She was administered the oath of office Tuesday morning.
A Bench of Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice BR Gavai said it can’t presume that the Collegium was not aware of Gowri’s political background or her controversial statements.
While the Supreme Court heard the case at around 10:25 am, five minutes later at 10:30 am at Madras High Court all arrangements were made for her swearing-in.
Shortly after the Center notified its judgeship, the Supreme Court on Monday brought forward the hearing from Friday to Tuesday.
The proposal to elevate the female lawyer who has represented the Center before the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has been embroiled in controversy after reports emerged of her alleged ties to the BJP.
The plea was filed by some lawyers, including Anna Mathews, who tried to overturn Gowri’s recommendation for the judgeship.
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