Speaking at an international legal conference in the U.S., Supreme Court Justice Surya Kant highlighted the pivotal role transparency plays in the collegium system, which is responsible for appointing judges in India.
Justice Kant stressed that while reforms are necessary, they must uphold judicial independence. He emphasized that the decision-making process should be guided by humility, democratic restraint, and accountability, ensuring that judges, not external forces, drive appointments.
His remarks echo Concerns voiced recently by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai, who also cautioned that reforms must not compromise judicial autonomy.
Justice Kant’s call for open and accountable practices comes amid ongoing debates on how collegium resolutions, selection criteria, and deliberative processes can be made more transparent without undermining confidentiality or effectiveness.
