New Delhi: The appointment process of the Indian judiciary has once again come under intense scrutiny. According to a special investigation by 'The Freelance', recent decisions taken by the Supreme Court Collegium have raised eyebrows among jurists, lawyers, and constitutional experts.
Seniority vs Merit: The Core Controversy
In the recent appointments, the Collegium bypassed the top three senior judges to elevate those positioned at ranks 4, 5, and 6. While merit remains a crucial criteria, ignoring established seniority without detailed public justification creates unease within the institution.
Lack of Transparency
The lack of absolute transparency in the Collegium's closed-door deliberations continues to be a major concern. Without clear public reasoning for bypassing senior judges, speculations rise, affecting the institutional integrity of the apex court.
Political and Administrative Fallout
While high-level judicial appointments spark constitutional debates, grassroots developments—such as massive anti-encroachment drives in regions like Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh—highlight the wide spectrum of administrative actions underway across the country. However, the core debate remains centred on judicial accountability and the future of institutional norms.
