Centre appoints three judges to Supreme Court, fills all 34 posts, Pg5

Key Highlights:

• The Centre approved the appointment of three new Supreme Court judges, bringing the bench to its full sanctioned strength of 34 judges.

• Appointees include:

  • Justice N.V. Anjaria, Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court
  • Justice Vijay Bishnoi, Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court
  • Justice Atul S. Chandurkar, Bombay High Court judge

• Appointment follows recommendation by the Supreme Court Collegium three days earlier.

• Swearing-in expected to be conducted by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai.

• The three judges have extensive judicial careers dating back to the late 1980s and early 2010s.

Detailed Insights:

• The Supreme Court Collegium system involves senior judges, including the CJI, recommending judicial appointments to the executive, highlighting the judiciary's independence.

• Filling all sanctioned posts helps improve the Court’s ability to manage increasing case backlogs and maintain timely justice delivery.

• The appointment process balances the executive’s role with judicial primacy, avoiding politicization of judicial appointments.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Supreme Court Collegium System: An informal system where the CJI and senior Supreme Court judges recommend appointments and transfers of judges.
• Judicial Independence: The principle that judiciary should be free from external pressures or influence.

Mains Mock Question:

Examine the role of the Supreme Court Collegium in the appointment of judges. Discuss the challenges and importance of maintaining judicial independence in India.