Collegium Assesses High Court Candidates | 25 Dec 2024
Recently, the Supreme Court collegium conducted interactions with candidates being considered for high court judgeship, going “over and above” the standard screening process.
- The standard screening process includes assessing judicial work, IB inputs, the chief minister's views via the governor, and the Department of Justice's observations.
- The move came after controversial remarks on religion by a judge of Allahabad high court at an event that sparked widespread criticism.
- It was alleged that his comments breached the Restatement of Values of Judicial Life adopted by the Supreme Court in 1997.
- It is a code of judicial ethics that serves as a guide for an independent and fair judiciary, and impartial administration of justice.
- It also violated the Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct, 2002 that set ethical standards for judges, and regulates judicial behaviour.
- It recognizes six core values i.e., independence, impartiality, integrity, propriety, equality, and competence and diligence.
- It was alleged that his comments breached the Restatement of Values of Judicial Life adopted by the Supreme Court in 1997.
- Article 217 of the Constitution states that the Judge of a High Court shall be appointed by the President in consultation with the Chief Justice of India (CJI), and the Governor of the State.
Read More: Restatement of Values of Judicial Life