Today, On 4th July, Chief Justice of India B R Gavai assured that the collegium system will follow a fully transparent process. Emphasising inclusivity, he said merit will never be compromised and all recommended names will be duly followed up with fair scrutiny.
Chief Justice of India (CJI) B R Gavai recently promised to enhance “complete transparency” in the collegium system for appointing judges, ensuring that merit is never compromised and that all segments of society are represented.
Speaking at an event organized by the Bombay Bar Association to celebrate his recent elevation to the highest judicial office, CJI Gavai noted that the collegium has aimed to increase transparency in appointments since his predecessor, Justice Sanjeev Khanna, held the position.
CJI Gavai mentioned that Supreme Court Justice Dipankar Datta had previously addressed concerns about interference in the collegium’s operations at an event in Nagpur.
He stated,
“I assure everyone, we will adopt a procedure of complete transparency. Merit will never be compromised. We will have representatives from all sections of society. Names of all recommended will be followed up.”
Reflecting on his own experience, Gavai revealed that when he was recommended for elevation to the Supreme Court in 2019, one collegium member expressed reservations, fearing that his promotion might cause unrest among some senior lawyers in Mumbai.
Without disclosing the judge’s identity, he said,
“Last six years, I kept this as a secret when my name was doing rounds for SC, one of the collegium judges had some reservations,”
He added that several senior lawyers from the Bombay Bar Association intervened to clarify the situation to this judge.
CJI Gavai expressed gratitude towards the Bombay Bar Association, stating,
“I will always be indebted to the Bombay Bar Association as my elevation to the Supreme Court at that point of time and thereafter as CJI would never have been possible.”
He emphasized the importance of a judge’s duty to uphold justice and the Constitution, which he has consistently sought to do.
When he assumed the role of CJI, Gavai chose to refrain from giving media interviews or outlining a specific roadmap.
He remarked,
“Rather than speaking now, I felt I should let my work speak for me six months later when I retire. I do not want to make empty promises and leave room for any disappointments,”
Additionally, he aimed to clarify the misconception that the Supreme Court operates solely around the CJI, asserting,
“Supreme Court is a court of all judges. CJI is only the first among equals.”
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