A division bench of Justices Kalyan Shrestha and Sushila Karki ordered the government not to proceed with the decision to appoint Jha as NTA chief until the court issues a final verdict on the issue stating that the appointment is against the existing laws.[break]
SC said the appointment of Jha at NTA without ensuring qualification and experience would have long-term ramifications.
Bishwanath Goyal, a contender for the post of NTA chairman, on December 7 and a group of advocates including Jagannath Mishra on December 12 had filed separate writ petitions at SC urging the apex court to intervene in the case.
The petitioners had claimed that Jha doesn´t meet criteria including prior work experience in the field. They had said the government´s decision to appoint Jha as NTA chief would affect the entire telecommunications sector.
The cabinet meeting on December 4 had decided to appoint Jha as the chairman of NTA.
Jha, the prime minister and his office, the information and communications minister and his office and the NTA selection committee were made defendants in the petition.
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