After CJI Gavai's Request, Supreme Recalls Direction Barring Allahabad HC Judge From Hearing Criminal Cases

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday recalled its direction banning Allahabad High Court Justice Prashant Kumar from hearing criminal cases. The direction was recalled by the bench of Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice R Mahadevan following a request from Chief Justice of India BR Gavai.

Notably, the direction was passed on August 4. The top court deleted the paragraphs by which it had directed the High Court Chief Justice to remove Justice Kumar from handling criminal cases, reported Live Law.

"Since a request has been made by the CJI, we hereby delete paras 25 and 26 from our 4th August order. While we delete it, we leave it the Chief Justice of the High Court to now look into the matter. We fully acknowledge that the Chief Justice of the HC is the master of the roster," the bench said as reported by the media house.

The Supreme Court bench also stated that its directions were not aimed at interfering with the administrative power of the Chief Justice of the High Court. "When matters affect the rule of law, this Court will be compelled to take corrective steps," the bench stated.

On August 4, the top court pulled up Justice Kumar for his verdict in which he had stated that criminal prosecution could be used as an alternative way to recover money in civil disputes.

After the apex court's direction, at least 13 judges of the Allahabad High Court reportedly wrote to its Chief Justice Arun Bhansali seeking to defy the Supreme Court's direction.