CJI Urges Centre to Honor Collegium Picks
Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud has issued a pointed reminder to the Central Government, urging it not to act selectively on recommendations made by the Supreme Court Collegium. In a courtroom observation that carries institutional weight, the CJI warned that uneven handling of judicial appointments could harm the integrity of the judiciary and disrupt the balance envisioned under the Constitution.
The CJI emphasized that the Collegium functions based on collective decision-making, and its recommendations should not be treated differently based on subjective interpretations or political discretion. He noted that inconsistent approval of recommended names not only undermines the collegial process but also risks weakening judicial independence itself.
collegium picks
The Collegium system, which comprises the CJI and four senior-most judges of the Supreme Court, is entrusted with selecting and transferring judges to high courts and the apex court. While the executive is permitted to seek reconsideration of any name once, it is constitutionally expected to follow through with appointments once the Collegium reiterates its recommendation.
Despite this framework, several appointments and transfers have seen prolonged delays. Multiple high courts continue to operate with substantial vacancies, raising concern among legal professionals and constitutional experts. These delays, critics argue, suggest a pattern of selective processing of Collegium decisions by the executive.
judicial appointments
Expressing his concern during the proceedings, the Chief Justice stated that when the executive picks and chooses from among Collegium recommendations, it compromises both institutional efficiency and public trust. He stressed that judicial appointments should be free from perceived political considerations.
The CJI also highlighted the danger of treating Collegium resolutions as political suggestions rather than binding recommendations. Such a view, he said, would erode the independence of the judiciary—a cornerstone of constitutional democracy. In his words, “the moment any government treats a genuine Collegium recommendation as a political document, the institution suffers.”
CJI warning
This development comes at a time when courts across the country are grappling with massive case backlogs. Timely appointment of judges is seen as critical to reducing pendency and improving access to justice. The CJI’s remarks serve not just as a reminder of protocol but also as a broader call to uphold the constitutional values of fairness, independence, and institutional respect.
The judiciary’s message is clear: executive delay or discretion in handling appointments must not be allowed to disrupt the constitutional mechanism of checks and balances. As the judicial system shoulders increasing burdens, the onus is now on the government to process Collegium recommendations swiftly and uniformly.
