New Delhi: Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant on Tuesday defended the functioning of the Supreme Court Collegium, stating that judicial appointments are made after carefully evaluating multiple objective factors, including merit, judicial performance, experience, inclusiveness and diversity.
Speaking at a felicitation ceremony organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) for the five newly appointed Supreme Court judges, the CJI said the Collegium follows a rigorous and transparent evaluation process while recommending appointments to both the Supreme Court and the High Courts.
Collegium Considers Multiple Objective Criteria
Addressing concerns and criticism surrounding the Collegium system, CJI Surya Kant said many critics are unfamiliar with the judiciary’s internal functioning and the detailed deliberations involved in selecting judges.
“I can assure you that despite the casual criticism the Supreme Court Collegium sometimes faces, particularly from people who do not know the functioning of the judiciary and how the Supreme Court Collegium evolved, what kind of criteria it factors in, and the issues that are deliberated… the Collegium, while taking decisions, considers so many important and relevant factors while shortlisting Judges for appointment to the Supreme Court and even the High Courts. We follow the same criteria for the appointment of Chief Justices as well,” the CJI said.
He emphasised that every recommendation is based on a comprehensive assessment rather than any single parameter.
Merit, Performance and Experience at the Core
Explaining the appointment process, the Chief Justice said the Collegium evaluates judges on several professional benchmarks before recommending their elevation.
These include:
- Merit and overall judicial performance
- Length of judicial service
- Previous assignments and responsibilities
- Professional experience
- Inclusiveness and diversity within the judiciary
According to the CJI, these factors help ensure that appointments strengthen the institution while maintaining judicial excellence.
Confidence in Newly Appointed Supreme Court Judges
Expressing confidence in the five newly elevated judges, Justice Surya Kant said the Collegium had taken an objective and merit-based decision while recommending their names.
He voiced confidence that the judges would make significant contributions to the Supreme Court and uphold the institution’s high standards.
The felicitation ceremony honoured:
- Justice Sheel Nagu
- Justice Shree Chandrashekhar
- Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva
- Justice Arun Palli
- Justice V. Mohana
The five judges took oath as Supreme Court judges on June 2.
Bar and Bench Must Work Together
Highlighting the importance of the relationship between the judiciary and the legal fraternity, CJI Surya Kant described the association between the Supreme Court Bench and the Bar as one built on mutual trust, respect and cooperation.
He said this partnership plays a crucial role in improving the quality of justice delivered by the apex court.
Higher Responsibility After Elevation
The Chief Justice also observed that judges elevated to the Supreme Court shoulder greater constitutional responsibilities.
He said the apex court is entrusted with preserving public confidence in the justice delivery system while continuing to develop constitutional jurisprudence and safeguard the rule of law.
According to him, every Supreme Court judge carries the responsibility of strengthening the institution and maintaining the faith of citizens in the judiciary.
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