Supreme Court of India Issues Notice to Centre, Collegium Over High Court Judges Appointment

High Court of Kerala & Lakshadweep, Collegium System in Focus

The Supreme Court of India has issued a notice to the Central Government and the Collegium system over the appointment of judges in the High Court of Kerala and Lakshadweep. The notice came in response to a petition filed by an advocate, who raised concerns about the delay in the appointment process.

Key Points

* The Supreme Court has sought a response from the Centre and the Collegium system within four weeks. * The petition alleges that the Collegium system is not transparent and accountable. * The petitioner claims that the delay in appointing judges has adversely affected the functioning of the High Court.

The Collegium system is a unique feature of the Indian judiciary, where a group of senior judges recommend appointments and transfers of judges in the higher judiciary. However, the system has come under scrutiny in recent times, with critics arguing that it lacks transparency and accountability.

The Supreme Court's notice in this case has raised important questions about the appointment process of judges in India. The outcome of the case will have a significant impact on the future of the Collegium system.

Background

* The Collegium system was introduced in 1993 as a way to ensure the independence of the judiciary. * The Collegium consists of the Chief Justice of India, four senior-most judges of the Supreme Court, and the Chief Justices of the respective High Courts. * The Collegium makes recommendations to the President of India, who appoints judges based on these recommendations.

The petition filed in the Supreme Court alleges that the Collegium system is not transparent and accountable. The petitioner has claimed that the Collegium often makes appointments based on personal preferences rather than merit.

Arguments in Favor of the Collegium System

* Supporters of the Collegium system argue that it ensures the independence of the judiciary. * They argue that the Collegium is better equipped than the government to assess the suitability of candidates for judicial appointments. * Critics of the Collegium system argue that it lacks transparency and accountability.

They argue that the Collegium often makes appointments based on personal preferences rather than merit.

Arguments Against the Collegium System

* Critics of the Collegium system argue that it lacks transparency and accountability. * They argue that the Collegium is not subject to any external oversight. * They also argue that the Collegium has often made appointments based on personal preferences rather than merit.

The Supreme Court's notice in this case has raised important questions about the appointment process of judges in India. The outcome of the case will have a significant impact on the future of the Collegium system.