Supreme Court Justice Ujjal Bhuyan Calls for Greater Transparency in Judge Appointments
Speaking at a session on transparency in the judicial system, Justice Bhuyan said the lack of adequate reasons and transparency in the collegium's functioning could result in unsuitable individuals entering the judiciary, while deserving judges with exceptional abilities may be denied promotions.
New Delhi: Supreme Court Justice Ujjal Bhuyan has called for greater transparency in the process of appointing, promoting and transferring judges, stressing that the collegium should make public the reasons behind its decisions.
Speaking at a session on transparency in the judicial system, Justice Bhuyan said the lack of adequate reasons and transparency in the collegium’s functioning could result in unsuitable individuals entering the judiciary, while deserving judges with exceptional abilities may be denied promotions.
Justice Bhuyan said the public has a right to know how decisions concerning the judiciary are taken and what standards are being followed while selecting judges.
He observed that the collegium had, in the past, made more information regarding its decisions available to the public, but that level of transparency was no longer being maintained. He suggested that the reasons considered for judicial appointments, promotions and transfers should be placed in the public domain.
The Supreme Court judge also said remarks made recently by a High Court judge should be discussed within the collegium. He stressed that comments that could be viewed as unconstitutional or inappropriate should not be ignored when assessing the suitability of individuals for judicial office.
Justice Bhuyan’s remarks are being viewed in the context of comments made by an Allahabad High Court judge in 2024. The judge had reportedly made remarks contrasting cultural attitudes towards animals and tolerance, including a reference to not harming ants.
The remarks have since drawn attention in discussions about judicial conduct and the standards expected from judges.
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Separately, comments made by some judges regarding Justice Suryakant’s reported comparison of youth to cockroaches have also featured in the wider debate over judicial remarks and accountability.
Justice Bhuyan’s observations have renewed the discussion on whether the collegium system should provide greater public disclosure and clearer reasons for its decisions, while ensuring that merit and integrity remain central to judicial appointments and promotions.
