The Supreme Court Collegium is considering a proposal to limit the appointment of judges’ relatives to judicial positions. This move aims to promote fairness and inclusivity in the judiciary, creating opportunities for first-generation lawyers. Experts believe it could enhance diversity and improve representation from underrepresented communities in constitutional courts. The step reflects a growing emphasis on merit-based selections in India’s judicial system.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court upheld the appointment of seven judges, dismissing a petition against the appointments. The court found no merit in the arguments presented, reinforcing the validity and lawfulness of the judicial appointments. The Division Bench rejected the challenge based on various grounds, including lack of advertisement and representation, stating that the appointment process adhered to constitutional procedures.
The Delhi High Court imposed a fine of Rs. 25,000 on an individual seeking justifications for Supreme Court Collegium’s recommendations, emphasizing the Collegium’s autonomy. The petitioner’s plea was deemed a misuse of judicial resources, lacking genuine public interest. The decision raised concerns about judicial independence versus transparency in the Collegium system.