On Monday(13th May), Supreme Court seeks clarification from Himachal Pradesh High Court Registrar on non-elevation of two senior district judges, following formal grievance. Judges claim rightful promotions unjustly bypassed.
Renowned economist Sanjeev Sanyal advocates urgent judiciary modernization in India, citing its potential hindrance to the nation’s progress. He highlights inefficiencies in the current system, emphasizing the need for transformation and reforms in the collegium system. Sanyal stresses the importance of merit-based appointments and a comprehensive public debate to drive change.
Former Supreme Court Justice Rohinton Nariman proposed a reform for India’s Collegium system, suggesting a panel with the Chief Justice and four retired judges to enhance judicial independence and address system flaws. He also emphasized the importance of transparency in the selection process and the inclusion of practicing members of the legal profession in the nomination process. The proposed framework aims to ensure well-qualified and committed judges while fostering judicial independence and accountability.
Today(on 23rd April),The President of the Supreme Court Bar Association urges Prime Minister Modi to amend statutes for the appointment of sitting judges to tribunals and commissions, instead of retired judges, to ensure judicial impartiality. He highlighted concerns about judges’ impartiality, recommended extending retirement age, and emphasized the need for upholding the judiciary’s independence.
On Moday (15th April): A recent PIL filed before the Supreme Court challenges the exclusion of disabled persons from judicial appointments, highlighting discrimination and accessibility issues. The plea emphasizes the need for compliance with the 4 percent reservation for disabled persons and calls for the establishment of an expert body to standardize rules and eliminate discriminatory hiring practices.
On Monday(8th April), The Supreme Court of India is reviewing petitions challenging the appointment of 68 Gujarat judicial officers, claiming a preference for seniority over merit. Advocate R. Basanth argued that candidates with higher suitability test scores were overlooked. The hearings will continue until April 15, 2024. Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud proposed evaluating candidates primarily based on merit.
Today (5th April), The TN Bar Council urged the Madras High Court Chief Justice to recommend more lawyers from minority communities and women for judicial appointments, emphasizing diversity and equal opportunities. Senior Counsel S Prabakaran advocated for a merit-based selection process, stressing the importance of fairness and inclusivity. The letter highlighted the need for integrity and expeditious case resolution in judicial appointments.
On Tuesday(19th March),Former Supreme Court Judge Indira Banerjee highlighted gender imbalance in higher judiciary, being the eighth woman appointed in 68 years. She urged for increased female representation, addressing systemic obstacles and societal expectations. Judge Pratibha M Singh echoed the need for societal mindset shift to support women in the legal profession, emphasizing their vital role in families and society.