Scrap the collegium-system of appointing judges

Ever since the collegium system of appointing judges of the higher judiciary introduced in 1993 — not by law, but by a judicial verdict — the Bar has been a constant critic: principally because the collegium system had thus far lacked transparency. But recent revelations of the proceedings of the collegium (Hindustan Times, March 17 and April 12) — and not so far controverted by anyone in the authority — have put paid to this criticism. We now have in the public domain a wealth of detail and a super-abundance of transparency about recent appointments of judges — not a bad thing I would say. But the downside is that the people’s abiding faith in the administration of justice in India has taken a hard knock. Let me explain.

Read Full Story>>