A decade has passed since the Supreme Court of India sounded alarm bells about the urgent need to reform the collegium system for judicial appointments. Yet, as we stand today, the system remains largely unchanged, plagued by the same issues that prompted judicial concern in the first place.
The Broken Promise of Judicial Reform
The collegium system, which governs the appointment of judges to higher judiciary, continues to operate with alarming inefficiencies. Despite repeated calls for transparency and systematic improvement, the mechanism remains opaque and increasingly unable to meet the demands of a growing nation.
Why the System Continues to Fail
The fundamental flaws in the collegium system have become more apparent over time:
- Lack of transparency in the selection process
- Inordinate delays in filling judicial vacancies
- Absence of clear criteria for evaluating candidates
- Growing backlog of cases due to insufficient judges
The Human Cost of Judicial Delays
While the debate around collegium reform often focuses on procedural aspects, the real victims are ordinary citizens seeking justice. With over 4.8 crore cases pending in Indian courts, the failure to appoint judges promptly has direct consequences on justice delivery.
"The justice system cannot function optimally when key positions remain vacant for months, sometimes years," notes a senior advocate who preferred anonymity.
The Way Forward: Urgent Reforms Needed
Several key reforms could potentially address the current crisis:
- Establishing a transparent timeline for appointments
- Creating clear eligibility criteria for judicial positions
- Implementing a permanent secretariat to support the collegium
- Developing a more representative and diverse judiciary
A System at Crossroads
The continued stagnation in judicial appointments raises serious questions about India's commitment to judicial independence and efficiency. As the nation progresses economically and socially, its judicial infrastructure cannot afford to remain stuck in procedural delays and opaque processes.
The coming months will be crucial in determining whether India can break free from this decade-long impasse and create a judicial appointment system that truly serves the needs of its citizens.
