The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended Orissa High Court Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo for appointment as Chief Justice of the Patna High Court. The decision was taken in a meeting chaired by CJI Surya Kant on December 18.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has said that judicial appointments under the Collegium system will strongly prioritise merit, integrity, experience, and the right judicial temperament. He emphasised balanced transparency in the appointment process while safeguarding institutional integrity.
Today, On 26th November, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant inaugurated the Constitution Day celebrations organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association, marking a significant moment for the legal fraternity on the nation’s 76th Constitution Day. He urged renewed integrity and resolve.
Former CJI Gavai said while responding to Justice Nagarathna’s objection, If the dissent had any merit, four other judges would have agreed, He emphasised that such disagreements are not new and the Collegium still upheld Justice Pancholi’s elevation.
Outgoing CJI B.R. Gavai has released official data showing that 93 out of 129 names were approved for High Court judges during his tenure. The figures also reveal details on caste, minority and women representation in the Collegium’s recommendations.
NGO Janshruti has filed a PIL in the Supreme Court under Article 32 urging reforms in the judge appointment process. The plea calls for replacing the opaque Collegium system with a transparent, objective, and statutory mechanism.
CJI B R Gavai hailed Dr. B R Ambedkar as a “true nationalist” and credited the Constitution for keeping India united and strong despite challenges. He also clarified that the Collegium system involves both the judiciary and the government.
CJI BR Gavai said the collegium system has made India’s judiciary strong and free from interference, rejecting the claim that judges appoint themselves. He credited Dr BR Ambedkar’s Constitution for preserving India’s unity and democratic values.
Justice Surya Kant reaffirms that the collegium system is vital to preserving the independence of India’s judiciary and maintaining the balance of power among the legislature, executive, and judiciary, calling it the soul of constitutional democracy.
Ex-CJI D.Y. Chandrachud responded to Sanjeev Sanyal, asserting that the judiciary is not a roadblock to Viksit Bharat, while emphasizing, “Expeditious disposal of cases is the key to the preservation of the rule of law,” ensuring transparency and certainty.
