IS

Ishita SharmaAIR 268· 2025

Question Q3 (continued)GS2GS2

Collegium system has laid down in 2nd judges case & expanded in 4th judges case. It involves panel of Chief Justice of India (CJI) & 4 senior most judges which decide upon appointment & transfers in SC & HC.

Open scan (p.11)

Main Body

Collegium as best mechanism to safeguard judiciary independence:

(A) Arguments in favour:

1It retains the ultimate control with judiciary - panels advice being binding on President under Art 124.
2Impartiality in appointments & transfer is unique nor for independence.
3Executive's role was questioned during emergency when Justice Khanna was sidelined from being promoted as CJI-due to dissenting against govt.

Thus, to avoid such in future, independence of judiciary needs to be safeguarded.

(B) Arguments against:

Questions on functioning of collegium: opaque system, former SC judge cum PL criticized it as favouring nepotism
Lack of accountability & transparency
Require placing with executive

(C) Delays in appointments

(D) Other alternative ways:

NJAC introduced by 19th Amendment was one such as suggested by Law Commission, Judicial appointment commission - with primacy of CJI role, can be envisaged.

140 words6 paragraphs3 bullet points

Topper

Ishita Sharma

AIR 2682025

Subject & Paper

GS2GS2

Topic

Executive, Judiciary, Ministries and Pressure Groups

Collegium System

Collegium mechanism, arguments for and against, alternatives

Writing Stats

140

Total words

6

Paragraphs

3

Bullets

analytical

Tone