Chief Justice Balakrishnan eventually got him appointed as an apex court judge by ignoring the rights and entitlement of at least four senior chief justices of various high courts, Chandran alleged.

In the process, Chandran said his own chances of appointment as a judge at the Kerala High Court were marred.

During the arguments on the lawsuit, the bench said: 'You are filing it after a delay of 24 years only because you were not selected as a high court judge.'

It also asked why lawsuit was filed under Article 32 of the constitution, entitling a citizen to move the apex court directly in case of violation of fundamental rights.

'How is your fundamental right affected?' asked the bench.

Chandran replied that his lawsuit was challenging the appointment of a constitutional authority and it was never too late for a citizen to do so.

'Every citizen has a legal right to file petition of 'quo warranto' against public office (for illegally occupying a public office),' said Chandran, quoting from a Supreme Court ruling.

The apex court, however, was not impressed with Chandran's arguments and dismissed his petition.