New Delhi: A contempt petition has been filed in the Supreme Court against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for appointing Rakesh Asthana as the Delhi Police commissioner on July 27, when his superannuation was set for July 31. As per the 2018 Supreme Court order in the Prakash Singh vs Union of India case, it was said that UPSC should consider appointments from "amongst the people within the zone of consideration who have got clear two years of service".
"An endeavour has to be made by all concerned to see that the person who was selected and appointed as the Director-General of Police continues despite his date of superannuation. However, the extended term beyond the date of superannuation should be a reasonable period. We say so as it has been brought to a notice that some of the states have adopted a practise to appoint the Director-General of Police on the last date of retirement as a consequence of which the person continues for two years after the date of his superannuation. Such a practice will not conform with the spirit of the direction," the court had held.
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The contempt plea filed through Advocate ML Sharma contends that by appointing Asthana just before his superannuation, the government has tried to deliberately lower the authority of the court and interfere in the administration of justice. Sharma has also highlighted corruption charges that were levelled against Asthana.
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He prays for contempt action against the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister and seeks to declare Rakesh Asthana's appointment illegal.
Read:| Rakesh Asthana appointed as Delhi Police Commissioner
