CJI to consider plea to revive NJAC, end Collegium system
Context
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A plea was mentioned before CJI Surya Kant seeking revival of the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) and end of the Collegium system.
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The petitioner (adv. Mathews J. Nedumpara) argues that the 2015 NJAC judgment must be declared void ab initio.
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CJI orally stated the Court would consider the plea.
Background
Collegium System
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Evolved through Three Judges Cases (1981–1998).
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Judges select judges for appointments/transfers to High Courts and Supreme Court.
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Criticised for opacity, nepotism, lack of accountability.
NJAC
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Created via the 99th Constitutional Amendment, 2014 + NJAC Act, 2014.
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Aimed to give the Executive an equal role in appointments.
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Composition:
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CJI (Chairperson)
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2 senior-most SC judges
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Union Law Minister
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2 eminent persons
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Struck down by SC (4:1) in Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (2015) as violating judicial independence.
Key Arguments in the New Plea
1. NJAC Judgment a “Great Wrong”
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Petitioner claims SC substituted “will of the people” with “opinion of four judges”.
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Parliament, exercising constituent power, passed the 99th Amendment → reflects democratic mandate.
2. Collegium = “Nepotism & Favouritism”
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Plea describes Collegium as lacking transparency:
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“A riddle wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma” (Winston Churchill).
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Internal criticism exists within judiciary about opaque functioning.
3. Parliament Reduced to “Inferior Tribunal”
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Striking down a constitutional amendment passed with near-unanimity allegedly undermines legislative supremacy.
4. Remedy Sought
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Declare the 2015 judgment void ab initio.
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Restore NJAC as the valid mechanism for judicial appointments.
Arguments For the Collegium System
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Judicial independence free from Executive influence.
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Basic Structure: NJAC struck down for violating independence of judiciary.
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Executive presence may lead to politicisation of appointments.
Arguments Against the Collegium System
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No transparency in criteria, minutes, deliberations.
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Alleged nepotism (“uncle judges”).
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No formal accountability or evaluation mechanism.
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Delays in appointments → judicial vacancies → case pendency.
Arguments For NJAC
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Democratic validation—passed by Parliament & majority states.
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Balances power by including Executive + Eminent persons.
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Enhances diversity, merit-based selection.
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Increases transparency & public trust.
Arguments Against NJAC
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Executive dominance risks eroding judicial independence.
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“Eminent persons” selection could be politically influenced.
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Veto powers may block deserving candidates.
Way Forward
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Greater transparency in Collegium (criteria, minutes, rationale).
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Judicial Appointments Commission 2.0
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Without compromising independence.
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Include independent, non-political members.
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Performance review & diversity metrics for appointments.
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Strengthen Memorandum of Procedure (MoP).
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