An Allahabad High Court judge Justice Ranganath Pandey has written a letter (see below) to Prime Minister Narendra Modi alleging nepotism and casteism in the appointment of judges to high courts and Supreme Court.

Justice Pandey says in the letter: “…I want to draw your attention to the discrepancies present in the high courts and Supreme Court.”

He further adds: “The Constitution declares India as a democratic nation. Yet, one of its three pillars—Judiciary (which comprises of high courts and Supreme Court) is unfortunately suffering from nepotism and casteism. Here if you are a member of judge, then it will ensure your seat as a judge.

“… An administrative officer gets selected after passing a competitive exam. In the subordinate judiciary also, candidates are selected by passing a competitive exam. But in the high courts and Supreme Court, we don’t have any definite criteria for appointment of judges. The prevalent criterion is only nepotism and casteism.”

Justice Pandey is due to retire tomorrow.