Arora raised the question of rights of the contractual employees and urged the court to direct that they be not terminated without the approval of the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal president.

THE Supreme Court on Thursday said the Ministry of Corporate Affairs has “completely hijacked” staff appointments at the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).

Stressing the need to preserve the autonomy of the NCLT president over appointments, a three-judge bench presided over by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, suggested deputation of employees as an interim measure, followed by regular recruitment through the Union Public Service Commission or the Staff Selection Commission.

“The ministry wants to have complete grip…And that’s what’s most unfortunate,” CJI Kant said.

The bench, also comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, was hearing a plea related to the appointment of staff members working with the NCLT’s judicial members.

Senior Advocate Meenakshi Arora, representing contractual employees…