Topic: Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions.
3. Trace the history of how the process of selection of judges to the Supreme Court has evolved in India. The collegium system, though functional is not without flaws. Reforms are needed to ensure highest standards of justice delivery in the apex court. Examine. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India
Why the question:
For the first time ever, the Supreme Court Collegium led by the Chief Justice of India (CJI) recommended/selected as many as nine persons at one go to be appointed to the apex court.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the evolution of the process of the appointment of Judges to the SC and the reforms that are needed to existing collegium system.
Directive word:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must look into the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin the answer by tracing the journey of the process of appointments of the judges to the apex court since independence.
Body:
Mention in brief the three judges’ case and NJAC act, 2014.
Next, write about the reasons which calls for reforms to the existing collegium system. Opaqueness, lack of accountability, lack of representation from weaker sections, slow pace of appointments and lack of public faith etc.
Suggest reforms to overcome the above issues that are affecting the collegium system.
Conclusion:
Mention the importance of efficient, independent and vigilant judiciary for our democracy.
