Senior advocate Indira Jaising has raised concerns over the lack of transparency in the Supreme Court Collegium’s decision-making process, emphasizing the need for greater openness in judicial appointments. Her remarks have reignited the debate on judicial accountability and the selection of judges in India.
Key Concerns Raised by Jaising
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Opaque Decision-Making: Jaising criticized the Collegium’s failure to disclose reasons behind judicial appointments and transfers, calling for a more transparent selection process.
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Need for Public Scrutiny: She stressed that judicial appointments impact the independence of the judiciary and should therefore be subject to greater public scrutiny.
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Call for Reforms: Jaising urged the Supreme Court to consider institutional reforms, including publishing detailed explanations for Collegium decisions.
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Past Controversies: The SC Collegium has often faced criticism over its secrecy and lack of accountability, with calls for a more structured and open selection process gaining traction.
Impact on Judicial Appointments
Jaising’s criticism adds to the ongoing debate on whether the Collegium system should be reformed or replaced with a more transparent mechanism, such as a Judicial Appointments Commission. While the judiciary has defended its independence, critics argue that greater transparency is essential to uphold public trust.
With growing calls for reform, the Supreme Court may face increased pressure to make its decision-making process more accessible and accountable in the future.