New Delhi, July 14 (HS): Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant has underscored that appointments to the Supreme Court are made through a detailed and transparent collegium process based on merit, integrity, judicial competence and experience, while ensuring balanced representation from different High Courts and regions of the country.
Speaking at a felicitation ceremony organised by the All India Senior Advocates Association at the Constitution Club of India, the CJI said every judge elevated to the Supreme Court undergoes a rigorous evaluation process before appointment.
He expressed confidence that the newly appointed judges would further uphold the dignity of the apex court through their competence, experience and impartiality. Emphasising the importance of cooperation between the Bench and the Bar, Justice Surya Kant said constructive dialogue between judges and advocates is essential for making the justice delivery system more effective, transparent and accountable.
The function was organised to felicitate newly appointed Supreme Court judges Justice Sheel Nagu, Justice Shri Chandrashekhar, Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva, Justice Arun Palli and Justice V. Mohan. Recently retired Justice Pankaj Mithal was also honoured for his distinguished judicial service.
Addressing the gathering, All India Senior Advocates Association General Secretary and former Supreme Court Bar Association President Dr Adish C. Aggarwala said the collegium's recommendations are guided by merit, integrity and judicial excellence, strengthening public confidence in the judiciary.
Association President, senior advocate and Rajya Sabha member P. Wilson called for institutional reforms, including raising the retirement age of High Court judges from 62 to 65 years and that of Supreme Court judges from 65 to 70 years. He also advocated increasing the sanctioned strength of Supreme Court judges to improve the justice delivery system.
Referring to a recent alleged incident of inappropriate conduct in the courtroom, the Chief Justice observed that institutions are always greater than individuals and stressed the need for all stakeholders to uphold the dignity, independence and credibility of judicial institutions.
Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar
