• UGI USER
  • Jul 17, 2024
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NEW SUPREME COURT JUDGES APPOINTED

Why in the news?

  • President Droupadi Murmu appointed Justices N. Kotiswar Singh and R. Mahadevan as Supreme Court judges.
  • Their nominations were recommended by a five-member Collegium led by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud on July 11.
  • Justice N. Kotiswar Singh is the first judge from Manipur appointed to the Supreme Court, providing representation to Northeast India.
  • Justice R. Mahadevan, from a backward community in Tamil Nadu, aims to enhance diversity on the Supreme Court Bench.
source:wordpress

Collegium system for judicial appointment:

  • Judges of higher judiciary appointed via the collegium system.
  • Comprises Chief Justice of India and four senior-most Supreme Court judges.
  • Decides on judicial appointments, elevations, and transfers.
  • Term “collegium” not in Indian Constitution; established by judicial rulings.

Constitutional provisions for judicial appointment:

Article 124:

  • The President appoints Supreme Court judges after consulting relevant judges of High Courts and Supreme Court.
  • Chief Justice of India (CJI) consulted for all appointments except their own.

Article 217:

  • The President appoints High Court judges after consulting the CJI and Governor of the state.
  • The Chief Justice of the High Court also consulted in the appointment process.
About Appointment of Judges of supreme court:

Composition and Strength:

  • Originally 8 judges; now 34 (1 Chief Justice + 33 others).
  • Increased over time by Parliament.

Qualifications for Appointment:

  • Must be an Indian citizen.
  • High Court judge for 5 years or advocate for 10 years.
  • Distinguished jurist as per President’s opinion.

Appointment, Tenure, and Resignation:

  • Appointed by the President under Article 124(2).
  • Serve until age 65; can resign earlier.
  • No minimum age limit for appointment.
  • Salaries, allowances set by Parliament.
  • Post-retirement restrictions on legal practice in India.
  • Removal by the President upon proved misbehaviour or incapacity, with Parliament’s special majority