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Plea challenging appointment of NCLT's acting president infructuous: Delhi HC
The Delhi High Court held that a petition challenging the appointment of NCLT acting president Bachu Venkat Balram Das became infructuous after the Centre appointed Justice Anupinder Singh Grewal as NCLT President. The appointment was announced on April 29, 2026, and the court disposed of the petition on April 30, 2026.
Why It Matters
The ruling settles questions about leadership at the NCLT and demonstrates how subsequent appointments can moot earlier petitions.
Timeline
5 Events
April 30, 2026: Delhi HC disposes petition as infructuous following Grewal appointment
April 30, 2026
The Delhi High Court disposed of Singh’s petition, stating that the petition challenging the post of acting president has been rendered infructuous in light of Grewal's appointment as NCLT President.
April 29, 2026: A committee approves Grewal as NCLT President
April 29, 2026
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved the proposal for appointing Justice (Retd.) Anupinder Singh Grewal, former judge of the High Court of Punjab & Haryana, as President of the NCLT for five years or until attaining the age of 67 years, whichever is earlier.
April 20, 2026: Court reserved verdict in Kaushalendra Kumar petition
April 20, 2026
The court reserved verdict in a petition filed by technical member Kaushalendra Kumar related to the appointment and the acting presidency at the NCLT.
Balram Das takes charge as NCLT acting president on Oct 18, 2021
October 18, 2021
Bachu Venkat Balram Das took charge as the NCLT's acting president on October 18, 2021.
Singh asserts senior-most status; says he assumed office on Oct 1, 2021
October 1, 2021
In the petition, Singh contended that under the relevant Companies Act provisions, the senior-most NCLT member should act as Acting President. The article notes he had assumed office on October 1, 2021, and that Balram Das took charge later on October 18, 2021.