What is the role of the Supreme Court Collegium in the Indian judicial system

The Supreme Court Collegium is a body in the Indian judicial system responsible for the appointment and transfer of judges in the higher judiciary. Its primary role is to ensure the independence and impartiality of the judiciary. Here are some key points regarding the role of the Supreme Court Collegium:

• The Collegium consists of the Chief Justice of India and four senior-most judges of the Supreme Court.
• It plays a crucial role in appointing judges to the Supreme Court and the High Courts, as well as in transferring judges between High Courts.
• One of its objectives is to maintain a transparent and fair selection process by considering the merit and integrity of the candidates.
• The Collegium reviews the recommendations made by the High Court Collegiums and makes final decisions on appointments and transfers.
• It aims to uphold the independence of the judiciary by keeping the executive branch at a distance from the appointment process, as prescribed by the Constitution.
• The Collegium's decisions carry significant weight, and they are usually accepted by the President of India, who issues formal orders for appointments and transfers.

In summary, the Supreme Court Collegium plays a pivotal role in shaping and maintaining an independent and efficient judiciary in India by overseeing the crucial aspects of judges' appointments and transfers.