Senior Advocate Prashant Bhushan has alleged that the government is attempting to control judicial appointments. He claimed that the Justice Varma controversy is being used as a tool to interfere with the judiciary. Bhushan stressed that the collegium system must remain independent to ensure fair appointments. His remarks have sparked fresh debate on judicial autonomy and executive influence.
New Delhi: Senior advocate Prashant Bhushan criticized the government’s alleged interference in judicial appointments, warning that it is trying to gain control over the judiciary. He expressed concerns that the Justice Varma controversy is being used as a means to exert influence over the judicial appointment process.
Bhushan pointed out that judicial appointments are constitutionally meant to be decided by the collegium, which consists of senior Supreme Court judges.
However, he accused the government of delaying responses to the collegium’s recommendations, especially when it disapproves of certain names. Instead of rejecting them outright, the government allegedly stalls the process, ensuring only its preferred candidates are appointed.
Bhushan said,
“Unfortunately, the government is trying to take advantage of this Justice Varma affair to try and take control over judicial appointments. In the recent past, the government has been interfering in judicial appointments even though the appointments are supposed to be made by the collegium of senior Supreme Court judges,”
Such interference threatens the judiciary’s autonomy, which is a fundamental pillar of democracy. If the government controls appointments, it risks creating a judiciary that favors the ruling party rather than upholding constitutional values.
Bhushan suggests a robust system to examine complaints against judges to tackle corruption while preserving judicial independence. Experts propose time-bound responses to collegium recommendations, greater transparency, and an independent oversight body to prevent executive overreach.
The government’s influence over judicial appointments is a pressing concern. Bhushan’s warning highlights the need for reforms to safeguard judicial independence, ensuring that justice remains free from political influence.