Analysis
COVID Coverage: National Pandemic Policy – 23rd April
Mr. Harish Salve recused himself from the hearings, as the counsel for Vedanta, a party to the case.
Suo Moto Cognisance
The case was then heard on 23rd April. Harish Salve, who had been appointed amicus, requested for a recusal. This was because he didn’t want the sensitive case to be heard under a ‘shadow’. He referenced arguments that he had a conflict of interest since he was representing Vedanta, and that he was a childhood friend of the Chief Justice.
During the hearing, the judges also clarified that they did not seek to interfere with the High Court. The Supreme Court Bar Association had concerns about this and had filed an immediate intervention the previous day. The Solicitor General requested time to file a comprehensive reply. So, an order was passed allowing Harish Salve to recuse himself, and the matter was adjourned for the day.