The Supreme Court Collegium may consider a proposal to restrict the appointment of close relatives of judges to high courts, sources indicated. The idea, reportedly suggested by a senior judge, aims to enhance inclusivity and reduce the perception that familial connections are prioritized over merit in judicial appointments. Under this proposal, high court collegiums could be instructed to refrain from recommending candidates whose parents or close relatives are current or former judges of the Supreme Court or high courts.
While this policy could open doors for first-generation lawyers and improve diversity in constitutional courts, it may also lead to the exclusion of deserving candidates solely due to their familial ties to the judiciary. The source acknowledged this concern but emphasized that such a move could broaden representation from various communities in the judicial system.
The Supreme Court Collegium, which currently recommends names for apex court appointments, comprises Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, Justices BR Gavai, Surya Kant, and, for high court recommendations, Justices Hrishikesh Roy and Abhay S Oka. Recently, the Collegium began conducting personal interviews with recommended candidates, moving beyond traditional assessments like biodata and written intelligence reports. This shift aims to ensure more thorough evaluations, especially after a controversy involving Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav of the Allahabad High Court.
Justice Yadav’s remarks at a VHP event in December, where he called for India to follow the majority’s wishes, attracted criticism. In response, the Supreme Court Collegium sought a report from the Allahabad High Court and allowed Justice Yadav to present his version of the incident before the Collegium.
In its meeting on December 22, the SC Collegium recommended six names for high court appointments in Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Bombay, and Allahabad, marking a significant step in judicial transparency and accountability. This development reflects the Collegium’s ongoing efforts to reform and improve the judicial appointment process.
