CJI B.R. Gavai stated that the Supreme Court is no longer solely CJI-centric. Transparency is being introduced in the appointment of judges. Recommendations have been made for 36 names after interviewing 54 candidates.
New Delhi: Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, B.R. Gavai, stated that the Supreme Court is not CJI-centric and that the appointment of judges is being made transparent. He said that it is essential to give representation to all sections without compromising on merit.
Supreme Court is no longer solely CJI-centric: Justice Gavai
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court (CJI), B.R. Gavai, made an important statement regarding the appointment of judges. He said that the Supreme Court is no longer just a CJI-centric institution and that efforts are ongoing to make the judicial process more transparent and inclusive. He made this statement at an event organized by the Bombay Bar Association.
Emphasis on transparency in the appointment of judges
Chief Justice Gavai said that efforts are continuously being made to make the process of appointing judges in the Supreme Court transparent and fair. He clarified that the notion that all decisions are made only around the CJI should now change. He said, "We are moving towards a transparent system where all sections will have adequate representation in appointments."
Recommendation of 36 names out of 54 candidates
CJI Gavai informed that recently 54 candidates were interviewed, out of which 36 names have been recommended for appointment. This process lasted for three days and its objective was to provide diversity as well as quality to the judiciary.
Opportunity for all sections, but no compromise on merit
CJI Gavai said that the Supreme Court is fully committed to ensuring that all sections of society are represented in the judicial service. But he also emphasized that the standards of merit will not be compromised at any cost. He said, "We are creating a system where judicial appointments are not only transparent but also just."
Concern expressed over pending cases
The CJI also expressed concern over pending cases in the courts. He said that this is a serious problem and a major reason for this is judicial vacancies. He said that unless judges are appointed in the courts, it will not be possible to dispose of cases quickly.
Chief Justice Gavai explained that these efforts did not start during his tenure, but work towards making the judicial process more transparent and inclusive has been going on since the time of former CJI Justice Sanjiv Khanna. This process is now becoming ber.
