Cong questions talks of Justice Gaur possibly getting new top post

In an apparent reference to reports of Justice Sunil Gaur being possibly appointed as chairman of the PMLA Appellate Tribunal, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the entire country is 'stunned' by the development. Pertinently, Gaur had rejected Chidambaram's plea for anticipatory bail in the INX Media Case.

New Delhi:The Congress on Wednesday questioned talks of the appointment of Justice Sunil Gaur, who had rejected the bail plea of former finance minister P Chidambaram in the INX Media case, as chairman of the PMLA Appellate Tribunal.

Addressing a press conference, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala, without naming Gaur, said, "The entire country, everybody who swears by the Constitution is stunned and even feels regret. Has this become the yardstick of the fairness of the judiciary that we always spoke about?"

"If the judiciary which protects the Constitution, itself is going off-track, what will be the consequences? I urge every Indian, and also the individual concerned to look within. The government should also to introspect as to how their actions are now currently being viewed," he added.

Surjewala was referring to reports that suggested that the government is believed to have appointed Justice Sunil Gaur, who had rejected the bail plea of former finance minister P Chidambaram in the INX Media case, as chairman of the PMLA Appellate Tribunal.

While no government notification or order appointing Gaur as chairman has been made public so far, reports said the appointment has been cleared.

Once the formal order comes, he will replace Justice Manmohan Singh who joined as chairman on September 22, 2016 for a three-year term.

Justice Gaur retired as a Delhi High Court judge on August 22, two days after he rejected Chidambaram's plea for anticipatory bail and said the former finance minister appeared to be the kingpin in the INX Media case.

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