Collegium often criticised by those who don't know how judiciary functions: CJI Surya Kant

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant on Tuesday said that the Supreme Court Collegium often faces casual criticism from people who do not understand the functioning of the judiciary.

He said that such critics are also unaware of how the Collegium evolved, the criteria it considers while recommending judges and the issues that are deliberated.

"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 CJI said.

CJI Kant was speaking at a felicitation ceremony organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) for the newly appointed Supreme Court Justices Sheel Nagu, Shree Chandrashekhar, Sanjeev Sachdeva, Arun Palli and V Mohana.

He went on to explain that the Collegium considers several factors while recommending judges for appointment to the Supreme Court and the High Courts and follows the same criteria while recommending Chief Justices.

According to the CJI, the process considers inclusiveness and diversity, besides a judge's performance, length of service, positions previously held and overall professional career.

He thanked the Collegium for taking what he described as an objective and merit-based decision in recommending the five judges for elevation. He also expressed confidence that they would perform exceptionally and lead the institution by example with the support of the Supreme Court Bar.

Praising the Supreme Court Bar, CJI Kant endorsed the conventions highlighted by SCBA President Vikas Singh.

"In addition to that, let me repeat that not only do you (Supreme Court Bar) seldom go on strike, the best part is the cordiality between the Bar and the Bench that I have seen in the Supreme Court. I have not seen it in the High Courts or the district courts," the CJI added.

He also noted that despite the limited time available during hearings before the Supreme Court, the Bar has mastered the art of rendering effective assistance within minutes, while the Bench has developed the ability to quickly grasp the issues involved.

This unique relationship between the Bar and the Bench would continue to grow stronger, CJI Kant said.

He also reminded the newly appointed judges that elevation to the Supreme Court carries the responsibility of upholding public trust in the country's highest court.

CJI Kant said that the Supreme Court is not merely meant to decide civil and criminal disputes, but is also expected to develop constitutional jurisprudence.

Concluding his address, he expressed confidence in the five newly appointed judges and said that they would uphold this responsibility and continue to deliver their best in furtherance of it.

[Read Live Coverage]