Headline
CJI DY Chandrachud describes lack of women appointments to the Supreme Court due to seniority constraints.
Summary
Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud described that no women judges were appointed to the Supreme Court of India during his tenure due to the strict seniority rules administering such selections. Although the Collegium under him shows diversity, no woman held a senior enough position among High Court judges for elevation.
Key Facts
- Event: Discussion with Indian Express on November 4,2024
- CJI: Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud
- Points Discussed:
- Seniority and merit are important in the decision of Collegium for Supreme Court appointments.
- Despite the efforts of Collegium toward diversity, no eligible women met the seniority condition for elevation.
- CJI acknowledged the significance of diversity but maintained that appointments must respect established rules.
Legal Insights
The CJI DY Chandrachud stresses that the judicial appointment system prioritises seniority and credentials, thus restricting the discretion of Collegium to prioritise diversity alone. This advises a structured approach to appointments that values both merit and tradition.
Impact
This clarification gives insight into the limitations faced by the Collegium in strengthening gender diversity. The acknowledgment of diversity’s significance may encourage a future reevaluation of appointment criteria to accommodate evolving expectations.
Why It Matters
This conversation shows the challenges of balancing tradition with diversity in the highest judiciary of India, sparking discussion on possible reforms to create a more inclusive bench without compromising merit.
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