Recent discussions in India have intensified regarding the reform of the judicial appointments process, particularly focusing on the potential replacement of the current collegium system with an alternative mechanism such as the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC). Law Trend - Legal News Network
Former Law Minister Advocates for NJAC Revival
On April 6, 2025, former Union Law Minister Ashwani Kumar emphasized the need to replace the existing collegium system, citing growing public support for an alternative framework like the NJAC. He highlighted that the processes of public opinion are moving robustly in favor of such reforms and called upon the Supreme Court to establish a robust in-house mechanism to address issues within the judiciary, including charges directed at judges. The New Indian Express + 5 ThePrint + 5 ABP Live + 5 Express+5ThePrint+5ABP Live+5ABP LatestLY + 3 The New Indian Express + 3
Parliamentary Calls for Judicial Reforms
In early April 2025, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha raised concerns in Parliament about recent controversies involving the judiciary, including the discovery of cash at a judge's residence. He urged the government to implement judicial reforms aimed at strengthening the system and maintaining public confidence. Business Finance News+2 The Week+2 The Economic Times + 2 Business Finance News
Potential Reintroduction of the NJAC Act
Reports suggest that the government may consider reintroducing an amended version of the NJAC Act in Parliament. The original NJAC Act, passed in 2014, sought to replace the collegium system by involving a multi-stakeholder body in the appointment of judges to the Supreme Court and High Courts. However, it was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2015 for violating judicial independence. The proposed amendments aim to address previous concerns and overhaul the judicial appointments process. Free Press Insights on Tfipost.com
Background on the Collegium System and NJAC
The collegium system, established through Supreme Court judgments in the 1990s, currently oversees the appointment and transfer of judges in the higher judiciary. Critics argue that it lacks transparency and accountability. The NJAC was an attempt to reform this system by including representatives from the executive, judiciary, and independent members in the appointment process. However, its rejection by the Supreme Court has led to ongoing debates about the best approach to ensure both judicial independence and accountability. Study IQ Education Today + 1 GK Today + 1 The Economic Times Tfipost.com+1GKToday+1
These developments underscore a significant moment in India's legal landscape, with various stakeholders advocating for reforms to enhance the credibility and efficiency of judicial appointments.
