Kapil Sibal criticises collegium system, notes shift in liberal judges' stance upon becoming CJ
New Delhi: Senior Advocate and Supreme Court Bar Association President, Kapil Sibal, on Saturday expressed concern over the tendency of liberal judges' rulings evolving after their elevation to High Court Chief Justice positions. He observed that judges with a liberal stance often appear to adjust their judgments subtly as they aspire for further elevation to the Supreme Court.
Delivering a lecture at the Sikkim Judicial Academy, Sibal, also a Member of Parliament, remarked, "Judges who were notably liberal seem to subtly alter the tone of their judgments upon becoming Chief Justices. This happens due to natural human aspirations, as many wish to reach the Supreme Court."
Sibal critiqued the Collegium system, noting that appointments within the higher judiciary are not consistently merit-based. He explained that Chief Justices often look to Supreme Court judges for possible elevation, leading to a subtle alignment in their rulings.
Reflecting on the creation of the Collegium, Sibal stated that its purpose was initially to counter political influence, ensuring judges were chosen based on professional assessment rather than political lobbying. However, he added, the outcome shifted, with aspirants now approaching judges for recommendations instead of politicians.
Sibal also pointed out the absence of clear parameters in the selection process for elevating Chief Justices to the Supreme Court, noting, "This ambiguity leaves Chief Justices striving for elevation without a clear understanding of the selection criteria."
He further highlighted that this informal hierarchy between the High Courts and the Supreme Court has inadvertently created a system of dependency, with judges at various levels looking to advance through endorsement from their superiors.
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GT buy Washington Sundar for Rs 3.20 crore; Prithvi Shaw, Shardul Thakur go unsold
Jeddah, Nov 25: Flamboyant Indian opener Prithvi Shaw and seam-bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur failed to find any takers but Washington Sundar was bought by Gujarat Titans for Rs 3.20 crore on the second day of the IPL mega auction here on Monday.
Also going unsold were New Zealand batting stars Kane Williamson and Glenn Phillips.
South African veteran Faf du Plessis and West Indies' Rovman Powell were bought for Rs two crore and Rs 1.50 crore by Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders respectively, but seasoned India batter Ajinkya Rahane went unsold.
The unsold players can find buyers later in the day during the accelerated auction if their names are given by the franchises.
