Keywords -Supreme Court, Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, Judge selection process, Transparency, Collegium system, Judicial reform, Basic structure doctrine
New Delhi, September 16, 2023 – Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud revealed that the Supreme Court is working towards a more transparent selection process for judges during his address at the Centenary Ram Jethmalani Memorial Lecture. The event, held to commemorate the birth centenary year of the late renowned lawyer Ram Jethmalani, saw the CJI discuss various aspects of the Indian judiciary.
One of the key highlights of his speech was the Supreme Court’s efforts to enhance transparency in the appointment of judges. CJI Chandrachud explained that while the Court cannot publicly disclose its discussions, it aims to establish objective parameters for selecting judges for the Supreme Court and High Courts.
To achieve this goal, the Supreme Court, in collaboration with the Centre of Research and Planning, has created a platform to assess the top 50 judges in the country who may be considered for elevation to the Supreme Court. This assessment involves collecting and evaluating data on reportable judgments and the quality of their judgments. The CJI emphasized that this initiative is a work in progress but reflects the Court’s commitment to transparency and improvement.
Addressing the criticism of the collegium system, where judges are appointed, CJI Chandrachud acknowledged that one of the main concerns has been the lack of factual data for evaluating potential judges. He welcomed such criticism as a means to improve the system, stating, “I look at criticism with an optimistic perspective. It helps improve the system for the better.”
During the lecture, the CJI also discussed the Supreme Court’s recent reforms, including the implementation of e-filing, which allows online submission of cases and tracking their status. He mentioned the proposed construction of a new building in the Supreme Court complex, equipped with 27 courtrooms, spaces for bar associations, and litigants.
Additionally, the Chief Justice shared information about the ongoing project to manage and reduce case pendency through improved case classification, grouping, and tagging. The National Judicial Data Grid, launched recently, aims to provide real-time tracking of case disposal and pendency. Another significant development highlighted by CJI Chandrachud was the e-SCR portal, where more than 36,016 Supreme Court judgments and 11.6 million High Court judgments are available.
In conclusion, Chief Justice DY Chandrachud emphasized the importance of making changes to enhance the justice delivery system, stating, “It is only with such a holistic approach that the quality of justice delivery can be enhanced in every sense of the word.”
The event’s focus on the basic structure doctrine, which forms a fundamental part of Indian constitutional law, saw CJI Chandrachud taking an interesting approach. Instead of expressing his views on the doctrine in a public forum, he emphasized that he would let his judgments speak on the issue, affirming the role of judicial decisions in shaping legal principles.
Furthermore, the CJI discussed Ram Jethmalani’s enduring legacy, his contributions to legal education, and his role during the Emergency period in India. He acknowledged Jethmalani’s influence in promoting access to legal education and facilitating the democratization of the legal profession, especially for individuals without financial means.
CJI Chandrachud’s address conveyed a vision of a more transparent, accessible, and accountable judicial system in India, with a focus on continuous improvement.
Written by- Shuniti Sinha, College name – Brainware University , Semester- 7th, an intern under Legal Vidhiya
Bar and Bench, https://www.barandbench.com/news/cji-dy-chandrachud-opts-not-speak-about-basic-structure-doctrine-lecture-basic-structure, (last visited date 15th September,2023)
