The government has defended its decision to return the recommendation of the Supreme Court collegium to appoint senior lawyer Gopal Subramanium as a judge of the apex court.

Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said, the government has got the right to be consulted in the process of appointment of judges and whatever opinion government has given is based upon cogent, proper and sound grounds.

He however, refused to elaborate on the government's reservations against Mr Subramanium. Mr Prasad was responding to questions on the strong displeasure voiced by Chief Justice of India RM Lodha over government segregating Mr Subramanium's name from three others who were appointed to the top court.

Congress accused the Narendra Modi government of playing vendetta politics and committing grave breach of constitutional norms. Party spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said, there is no doubt in the nation's mind that the sole and only sin committed by Gopal Subramanium is that as Amicus Curiae he gave an adverse report on the Modi government in Gujarat.

Mr Singhvi said, all other reasons are a fig leaf of pretences and excuses.He said, the government's action against Mr Subramanium smacks of pettiness.

Former Law Minister and Congress leader M Veerappa Moily said the Modi government is entering into a danger zone of confrontation with the Judiciary and the anguish on the part of the Chief Justice is justified.