SC Collegium’s quiet transparency is driving change

Source: The post is based on the article “SC Collegium’s quiet transparency is driving change” published in The Hindu on 17th July 2023

What is the News?

The Supreme Court Collegium under the present Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud has quietly and transparently streamlined the appointment process of judges to the constitutional courts.

What are steps taken by CJI to ensure transparency in appointment of judges?

While recommending appointments to the Supreme Court, the collegium takes into consideration the following three aspects:

Seniority of Chief Justices and senior puisne Judges in their respective parent High Courts as well as overall seniority of the High Court judges: 

The merit, performance and integrity of the judges under consideration: For this, the judgments of the judges are circulated among the members of the collegium, well in advance. 

– The Centre for Research & Planning of the court also prepares a compilation of relevant background material to assist the collegium.

– There is also a Judgment Evaluation Committee which goes through the judicial work of the candidates with a fine-tooth comb. The judgments are graded with the very best receiving an “outstanding” grade.

Need to ensure diversity and inclusion in the Supreme Court: It refers to the 1) representation of High Courts which are not represented or are inadequately represented in the Supreme Court 2) appointment of persons from marginalized and backward segments of society 3) gender diversity and 4) representation of minorities.