Interlocutory Jurisdiction — Power to Appoint Technical Expert — Court-Monitored Process
(Paras 2–3)
In proceedings involving technical evaluation of survey data by a National Task Force, the Supreme Court, in exercise of its interlocutory jurisdiction, may appoint an independent expert as Technical Consultant to ensure comprehensive and scientific analysis. Such appointment is justified to preserve objectivity, credibility, and methodological rigour in court-monitored processes.
Appointment of Technical Consultant — Former Chief Statistician — Institutional Support
(Paras 2–3)
Where the application seeks appointment of a qualified expert with domain expertise in statistics and data analysis, and the Court finds such appointment necessary for effective functioning of a National Task Force, it may direct the concerned Ministry to formally appoint the expert, extend administrative and infrastructural support, grant access to data, and provide remuneration in accordance with prevailing norms.
Ministry’s Obligation — Compliance with Court Directions — Administrative Facilitation
(Para 3)
Upon judicial direction, the concerned Ministry is obligated to issue the order of appointment expeditiously and ensure full administrative cooperation, including infrastructure, data access, and honorarium, to facilitate execution of the mandate assigned by the Court.
ANALYSIS OF FACTS AND LAW
The interlocutory application was filed in pending criminal appellate proceedings seeking the appointment of Dr. T.C.A. Anant, former Chief Statistician of India, as Technical Consultant to the National Task Force for comprehensive and scientific analysis of survey data. The application also sought directions to the Ministry of Education, Union of India, to provide administrative support, infrastructure, data access, and remuneration.
The matter was heard with assistance from learned Amicus Curiae and the learned Additional Solicitor General for the Union of India.
The Supreme Court considered the nature of the relief sought and found it appropriate to appoint Dr. T.C.A. Anant as Technical Consultant. The order reflects judicial recognition that analysis of survey data in complex matters requires specialised statistical expertise and independent oversight to maintain scientific integrity and credibility.
Accordingly, the Court directed:
First, appointment of Dr. T.C.A. Anant as Technical Consultant to the National Task Force.
Second, the Ministry of Education to formally issue the order of appointment at the earliest.
Third, the Ministry to extend all necessary administrative support, infrastructure, and data access, and to provide appropriate remuneration/honorarium as per prevailing norms.
The order demonstrates the Court’s supervisory role in ensuring that technical aspects of policy-linked or data-intensive matters are handled with professional competence and institutional backing.
RATIO DECIDENDI
In proceedings where scientific or statistical evaluation is integral to adjudication or to the functioning of a court-constituted or court-monitored body, the Supreme Court may appoint a qualified technical expert and direct the concerned executive authority to provide necessary institutional support, infrastructure, and remuneration to give effect to such appointment.
RESULT
The interlocutory application was allowed to the extent indicated. Dr. T.C.A. Anant was directed to be appointed as Technical Consultant to the National Task Force, and the Ministry of Education, Union of India, was directed to provide administrative support, data access, and remuneration. The application stood disposed of accordingly.
No comments:
Post a Comment