NJAC

Supreme Court agrees to examine Writ Petition challenging the current Collegium system for appointment and transfer of Judges and sought implementation of the National Judicial Appointments Commission for the purpose

Demands by the government for changes in the judges’ appointment process and in the collegium system have led to strained relations with the judiciary. As the head of the Constitution Review Commission, former CJI Justice MN Venkatachaliah had suggested measures for promotion of judicial accountability and judicial culture. In the light of the current standoff, Justice Venkatachaliah spoke with India Legal on the underlying issues.

The government is leaving no stone unturned to persuade the judiciary to adopt the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) type of system. Will the judiciary acquiesce? How valid are allegations of secrecy in the collegium functioning? Former Chief Justice of India KG Balakrishnan spoke to India Legal on these issues.

This week’s cover story is part of our continuing reportage on a subject that is perhaps the most explosive constitutional showdown since the Founding Fathers, in 1950, framed the principles, laws, rules and regulations within whose framework the institutions of the newly-founded Indian Republic are designed and meant to function.

As the centre’s calls for reforms in the system get strident, questions of primacy of the executive over the judiciary have raised concerns. Objections by the executive betray a sense of insecurity.

Vice President of India ...

Above: Photo by Anil Shak...

Above: Supreme Court/Phot...

Above: Former SC judge Ju...

By Inderjit Badhwar ...