Bhopal: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar recently raised concerns about the Chief Justice of India’s (CJI) role in the selection of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) director. Speaking at the National Judicial Academy in Bhopal on Friday, he questioned how the CJI could be involved in an executive appointment through a statutory provision. He emphasized the need to reconsider this system, as it does not align with democratic principles.
The Supreme Court will form a Constitution Bench to examine the authority of courts to modify arbitral awards. A bench led by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, along with Justices Sanjay Kumar and KV Viswanathan, referred the matter to a five-judge bench on Thursday. The decision highlights the importance of clarifying judicial powers in arbitration cases.
The Supreme Court of India, established on January 28, 1950, evolved from historic legal reforms starting with the Regulating Act of 1773. Governed by a collegium system for appointments, it plays a pivotal role in upholding the Constitution’s supremacy. Judges are appointed based on seniority and established eligibility criteria, ensuring judicial integrity.
Justice Surya Kant criticized a 1981 Supreme Court reference questioning the Chief Justice’s authority regarding Aligarh Muslim University’s minority status, labeling it “bad in law.” He emphasized judicial integrity, asserting that a two-judge bench cannot challenge larger bench rulings, and highlighted the Chief Justice’s role in maintaining judicial clarity and authority within the system.
The Kerala High Court emphasized the need for responsible media reporting, cautioning against “media trials” that presuppose guilt or innocence in ongoing cases. While freedom of speech is fundamental, it must not overshadow the judiciary’s role or the accused’s right to a fair trial, warning against prejudicing public opinion.
Today, On 25th October, the Supreme Court dismissed the CBI’s petition to reinstate a lookout circular against Rhea Chakraborty, labeling it “frivolous.” This ruling upholds the Bombay High Court’s prior decision, affirming that Rhea and her family are well-established in society. The case emerges from the investigation into Sushant Singh Rajput’s death.
Today, the Madras High Court allowed the Tamil Nadu government to withdraw writ appeals against Chief Minister Stalin and Water Resources Minister Duraimurugan, emphasizing the right of litigants to abandon a case. This decision follows a history of legal battles related to alleged irregularities in the construction of a Legislative Assembly-Secretariat complex.
