Vice President Questions CJI’s Role in Executive Appointments
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has raised concerns over the participation of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) in executive appointments, suggesting that such involvement could blur the distinction between the judiciary and the executive. His remarks have sparked discussions on the balance of power between the two branches of government.
Concerns Over Separation of Powers
The Vice President emphasized that the separation of powers is a fundamental principle of governance, ensuring that the judiciary remains independent from executive influence. He questioned whether the Chief Justice’s role in executive appointments could create conflicts of interest and potentially impact judicial impartiality.
Judicial Appointment System Under Scrutiny
This issue has been part of a larger debate on judicial appointments in India. The current collegium system, where senior judges oversee the selection of judges, has faced criticism for a lack of transparency. Earlier, there were efforts to introduce a more balanced approach through reforms, but the judiciary upheld its exclusive role in appointing judges, citing the need for judicial independence.
Calls for Institutional Reform
Legal experts and policymakers continue to deliberate on whether changes should be made to the appointment process to maintain an effective balance between the executive and judiciary. The Vice President’s remarks highlight the need for ongoing discussions on constitutional governance and institutional integrity.
As the debate unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring that both the executive and judiciary function within their respective domains without overstepping their constitutional boundaries.
