The Delhi High Court has issued a notice in a petition filed by NCLT Technical Member Kaushalendra Kumar Singh, challenging the appointment of Judicial Member Bachu Venkat Balram Das as Acting President of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).
The court observed that the statute provides for the senior-most member to be appointed as Acting Chairperson, and any practice of considering only a judicial member as senior cannot be continued.
The Centre had entrusted Das with the additional charge of acting President for a period of six months, starting March 17, or until a regular President is appointed, whichever comes first.
The court termed the issue as important and asked the Centre and Das to file their response.
The matter will be next heard on April 20.
