SC Accept Plea Against Promotion of 68 Judicial Officers in Gujarat

New Delhi: The Supreme Court will hear on Monday, May 8, a petition challenging the promotion of 68 judicial officers in Gujarat to district judges, including that of the magistrate who convicted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for criminal defamation. The petitioners have alleged that the state government violated the merit-cum-seniority principle when promoting these judges.

Judicial magistrate Harish Hasmukhbhai Varma, who found Gandhi guilty and sentenced him to two years of simple imprisonment, was promoted to an additional judge of the Rajkot district court. The appointments were made based on a selection list issued by the Gujarat high court on March 10.