Subject: Polity
The Supreme Court of India is the apex judicial body established under Article 124 of the Constitution. Its composition consists of the Chief Justice of India and a maximum of 33 other judges, whose appointments are made by the President of India after consultation with a collegium of the senior-most judges. This collegium system, though not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution, has evolved as a practical method to ensure that appointments are made on the basis of merit, integrity, and judicial temperament. The selection process involves a careful scrutiny of the candidate’s legal acumen, professional experience, and ethical standards. In recent years, the appointment process has been under intense public and media scrutiny, with debates over transparency and accountability. For instance, during a recent appointment, the criteria used for evaluation and the collegium recommendations became a subject of widespread discussion, highlighting the evolving nature of judicial appointments in a modern democracy.
Factual aspects include the adherence to constitutional norms and the need to maintain judicial independence by insulating judges from external influences. The appointment process is designed to safeguard the quality and impartiality of the judiciary, ensuring that the Supreme Court remains a trusted guardian of the Constitution. The emphasis on merit and seniority also reflects the commitment to upholding the rule of law in India.
Current affairs have shown that any perceived deviations in this process tend to spark significant debate in both academic and public forums, reinforcing the importance of maintaining a robust and transparent selection mechanism.