Delhi HC defers hearing on plea challenging appointment of Rakesh Asthana

Delhi High Court has deferred the hearing on a petition challenging the appointment of IPS officer Rakesh Asthana as Delhi Police Commissioner stating that the matter presented before the court was a "copy-paste".

New Delhi: Delhi High Court has deferred the hearing on a petition challenging the appointment of IPS officer Rakesh Asthana as Delhi Police Commissioner stating that the matter presented before the court was a "copy-paste". A bench headed by Chief Justice DN Patel has scheduled the matter for the next hearing on September 27.

During the hearing on Thursday, lawyer BS Bagga, representing Central government and Rakesh Asthana, informed the court that both the parties have filed their replies. Bagga said that Asthana doesn't come under the provision for extension of service. Meanwhile, Chief Justice stopped Bagga saying that the matter has been copied from the senior lawyer Prashant Bhushan who is still in the queue to present his side. CJ added that the matter should be copied to five percent only. However, Bagga denied it and explained the provision of extension of service.

Following Bagga's argument, CJ asked what is the super time scale? Prashant Bhushan replied "60 years". Then the court stopped Bhushan saying "let Bagga answer it, he has copied from your petition."

The Court also warned Bagga saying that "your petition could be dismissed with a fine." Following the CJ's warning, Bagga demanded time to explain about the super time scale.

During the September 16 hearing, the Central government had filed its reply and defended the appointment of Rakesh Asthana. The IPS officer had also said in his reply that the Common Cause and Center for Public Interest Litigation are continuously campaigning against him.

While on September 1 hearing, the court had issued notice to the Central government and Rakesh Asthana. During the hearing, advocate Prashant Bhushan had said that the matter presented in the High Court was the copy of the matter which was presented by him before the Supreme Court.

Read:Delhi HC to take up plea challenging Asthana appointment