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Burning Issues:

a) Whether NJAC is more transparent procedure to appointment of Judges at High Court & Supreme Court of India?: The National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) was envisioned as a more transparent procedure for appointing judges to the High Court and Supreme Court of India. By including members from the judiciary, the executive, and two eminent persons from civil society, it aimed to introduce greater accountability and reduce the opaqueness associated with the collegium system, where senior judges solely make the appointments. The NJAC intended to ensure that judicial appointments were based on merit and integrity, reflecting diverse perspectives. However, the Supreme Court struck down the NJAC in 2015, citing concerns over judicial independence and potential executive interference in the judiciary.

b) Whether collegium system is a curse for judiciary?: Supreme Court of India, has been both praised and criticized. Critics argue that it lacks transparency and accountability, with decisions made behind closed doors without public scrutiny. This opacity can lead to allegations of favoritism, nepotism, and a lack of diversity in judicial appointments. Moreover, the absence of external oversight means there is little recourse for challenging or reviewing these decisions, potentially undermining public trust in the judiciary. However, proponents of the collegium system argue that it preserves judicial independence by insulating the appointment process from political and executive interference. They believe that senior judges are best positioned to assess the qualifications and integrity of potential appointees, given their experience and understanding of the judiciary’s needs.
c) Whether NJAC (National Judicial Appointment Commission) is against the Independence of Judiciary?: Arguments against NJAC: Critics argue that the NJAC threatens judicial independence by allowing greater executive influence over judicial appointments. The inclusion of the Law Minister and two eminent persons (selected by the Prime Minister, the Chief Justice of India, and the Leader of the Opposition) in the commission could lead to potential political interference. This setup could compromise the impartiality of the judiciary, as judges might be appointed based on political considerations rather than solely on merit and integrity.
Arguments in favor of NJAC: Supporters of the NJAC contend that it enhances transparency and accountability in judicial appointments, which the collegium system lacks. By involving members from outside the judiciary, the NJAC aims to provide a more balanced and democratic approach, reducing the risk of insularity and favoritism within the judiciary. They argue that the presence of diverse voices in the commission ensures a more comprehensive evaluation of candidates, ultimately strengthening the judiciary’s credibility.

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