Chief Justice of India TS Thakur on Friday slammed the Centre for delaying the appointment of judges and thereby trying to bring the judiciary to a "grinding halt". The court was hearing a petition that sought that judges be appointed according to the system suggested by the Law Commission.

The country's senior-most judge informed Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi that as many as 75 names had been recommended by the Collegium since February for the appointment of judges to high courts across the country, reported NDTV. These appointments have not been finalised yet.

The bench, which included Thakur and Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud, said that most High Courts currently have only 40% of their sanctioned strength. Thakur accused the government of "sitting over" judges appointments and added, "Tell us where the files are. There has to be some accountability." He added that the government has also been delaying the transfers of High Court chief justices. Rohatgi, who represented the Centre, sought time to convey the apex court's message and seek instructions.