Collegium’s list of recommendations to Supreme Court breaks a deadlock — and leaves a trace

Source:  Indian Express

Relevance: To understand the issue of deadlock in judicial appointments

Synopsis: The main problem behind the judicial appointment process is its opaqueness. No reasons are given for the choice of those selected or left out. This was not always so.

Introduction

Recently, the Supreme Court Collegium headed by Chief Justice of India NV Ramana recommended nine names for appointment as judges to the top court. This is heartening, as it may also open the possibility of the first women chief justice of India.

Nearly after 22 months of deadlocks, the news of appointments of Judges to the High Court (HC) can pave the way for better access to Justice.

The beginning of the end of a deadlock between the government and the Judiciary over the appointments in HC is welcome news.

Issues with Collegium

There are problems with the opaqueness of the judicial process.

• Earlier, in 2017, the collegium had decided that the decisions of collegium will be put on the website when they are sent to the Government.
• However, there have been instances of opaqueness. For instance, In May 2019 the 2017 recommendation was reversed by the then collegium.

Way Forward:

Given the vitality of the Judiciary, it is important that it preserves its integrity and maintains public trust. Further, more women judges need to be elevated in the high courts.