Why is the collegium system being challenged in the Supreme Court
The Chief Justice of India has stated that a bench will have to be constituted to hear a plea against the collegium system.
- The collegium system, which is currently used to appoint judges to the Supreme Court and high courts in India, is being challenged in the Supreme Court due to concerns regarding lack of transparency and accountability in the appointment process.
- One of the reasons behind the challenge is that the collegium system gives judges exclusive power to decide appointments, without any substantial role for the executive or legislative branches of the government.
- This lack of checks and balances has led to allegations of favoritism, nepotism, and the appointment of undeserving candidates to the judiciary.
- Moreover, critics argue that the collegium system does not provide for a comprehensive evaluation of a candidate's qualifications, track record, and suitability for the position.
- The Chief Justice of India's statement about constituting a bench to hear the plea against the collegium system indicates that the Supreme Court itself acknowledges the need to address and clarify the concerns surrounding this appointment process.
- This challenge highlights the ongoing debate about potential reforms to the collegium system, with suggestions for greater participation from the executive and legislative branches in judicial appointments.
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a year ago