{"id":30918,"date":"2026-08-23T12:02:09","date_gmt":"2026-08-23T12:02:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/?p=30918"},"modified":"2026-08-24T01:39:36","modified_gmt":"2026-08-24T01:39:36","slug":"judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/","title":{"rendered":"Reforming India\u2019s Collegium System: A New Model for Judicial Appointments"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h1 id=\"h-beyond-the-collegium-my-proposal-for-a-merit-based-judicial-selection-system-for-india\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Beyond_the_Collegium_My_Proposal_for_a_Merit-Based_Judicial_Selection_System_for_India\"><\/span>Beyond the Collegium: My Proposal for a Merit-Based Judicial Selection System for India<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;Let<strong> judges remain independent\u2014but let the search for judges be independent of networks, fame and familiarity.\u201d<\/strong>&#8211; &#8211; By <strong>Adv. Tarun Choudhury<\/strong> &#8211; Supreme Court Advocate<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_86 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Beyond_the_Collegium_My_Proposal_for_a_Merit-Based_Judicial_Selection_System_for_India\" >Beyond the Collegium: My Proposal for a Merit-Based Judicial Selection System for India<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#A_Proposal_From_a_Lawyer_Who_Has_Watched_the_System_Closely\" >A Proposal From a Lawyer Who Has Watched the System Closely<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Judicial_Independence_and_Transparency\" >Judicial Independence and Transparency<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#My_Central_Proposal_IJMIS\" >My Central Proposal: IJMIS<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Indian_Judicial_Merit_Independence_System\" >Indian Judicial Merit &amp; Independence System<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#IJMIS\" >IJMIS<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Why_Do_I_Believe_Reform_Is_Necessary\" >Why Do I Believe Reform Is Necessary?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#The_Debate_Should_Not_Be_%E2%80%9CJudges_Versus_Government%E2%80%9D\" >The Debate Should Not Be &#8220;Judges Versus Government&#8221;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#I_Am_Not_Proposing_Another_NJAC\" >I Am Not Proposing Another NJAC<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#The_First_Pillar_A_National_Judicial_Talent_Pool\" >The First Pillar: A National Judicial Talent Pool<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Who_Gets_Considered\" >Who Gets Considered?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Route_1_%E2%80%94_Judicial_Service\" >Route 1 \u2014 Judicial Service<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Route_2_%E2%80%94_The_Independent_Bar\" >Route 2 \u2014 The Independent Bar<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Route_3_%E2%80%94_Distinguished_Legal_Scholarship\" >Route 3 \u2014 Distinguished Legal Scholarship<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Route_4_%E2%80%94_Institutional_Nomination\" >Route 4 \u2014 Institutional Nomination<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Route_5_%E2%80%94_Judicial_Recommendation\" >Route 5 \u2014 Judicial Recommendation<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#The_National_Judicial_Talent_Registry\" >The National Judicial Talent Registry<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#National_Judicial_Talent_Registry\" >National Judicial Talent Registry<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Three_Broad_Routes_Into_the_Higher_Judiciary\" >Three Broad Routes Into the Higher Judiciary<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#The_Judicial_Merit_Assessment_Authority\" >The Judicial Merit Assessment Authority<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Judicial_Merit_Assessment_Authority_%E2%80%94_JMAA\" >Judicial Merit Assessment Authority \u2014 JMAA<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#I_Do_Not_Believe_in_Giving_Candidates_Marks_Like_School_Students\" >I Do Not Believe in Giving Candidates Marks Like School Students<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#The_Judicial_Evidence_Profile\" >The Judicial Evidence Profile<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#1_Legal_Excellence\" >1. Legal Excellence<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#2_Judicial_Capacity\" >2. Judicial Capacity<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#3_Integrity\" >3. Integrity<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#4_Constitutional_Temperament\" >4. Constitutional Temperament<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#5_Professional_Reputation\" >5. Professional Reputation<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#My_Three-Evidence_Rule\" >My Three-Evidence Rule<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#The_Name-Blind_First_Stage\" >The Name-Blind First Stage<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#The_Judicial_Simulation\" >The Judicial Simulation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#My_%E2%80%9CDissent_Test%E2%80%9D\" >My &#8220;Dissent Test&#8221;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-33\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Integrity_Must_Be_a_Threshold_Not_a_Score\" >Integrity Must Be a Threshold, Not a Score<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-34\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#The_Independent_Conflict_Registry\" >The Independent Conflict Registry<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-35\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Detecting_Professional-Network_Concentration\" >Detecting Professional-Network Concentration<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-36\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Why_Does_This_Matter\" >Why Does This Matter?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-37\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#The_Selection_Concentration_Index\" >The Selection Concentration Index<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-38\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Selection_Concentration_Index_%E2%80%94_SCI\" >Selection Concentration Index \u2014 SCI<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-39\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#The_Missed_Talent_Index\" >The Missed Talent Index<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-40\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#A_Genuine_Learning_Loop\" >A Genuine Learning Loop<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-41\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#The_Judicial_Selection_Council\" >The Judicial Selection Council<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-42\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Judicial_Selection_Council\" >Judicial Selection Council<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-43\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Why_I_Would_Not_Give_the_Law_Minister_a_Voting_Seat\" >Why I Would Not Give the Law Minister a Voting Seat<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-44\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Government_Objections_Must_Be_Evidence-Based\" >Government Objections Must Be Evidence-Based<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-45\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#My_%E2%80%9CExplain-or-Reconsider%E2%80%9D_Rule\" >My &#8220;Explain-or-Reconsider&#8221; Rule<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-46\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Solving_the_Vacancy_Problem\" >Solving the Vacancy Problem<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-47\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Vacancies\" >Vacancies<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-48\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Rolling_Judicial_Talent_Pool\" >Rolling Judicial Talent Pool<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-49\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Pool_A_%E2%80%94_Ready\" >Pool A \u2014 Ready<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-50\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Pool_B_%E2%80%94_Near_Ready\" >Pool B \u2014 Near Ready<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-51\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Pool_C_%E2%80%94_Emerging\" >Pool C \u2014 Emerging<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-52\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#My_Proposed_Appointment_Clock\" >My Proposed Appointment Clock<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-53\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#12_Months_Before_Anticipated_Vacancy\" >12 Months Before Anticipated Vacancy<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-54\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#9_Months\" >9 Months<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-55\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#6_Months\" >6 Months<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-56\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#3_Months\" >3 Months<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-57\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Vacancy\" >Vacancy<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-58\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Supreme_Court_Appointments_Should_Have_an_Even_Higher_Threshold\" >Supreme Court Appointments Should Have an Even Higher Threshold<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-59\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Chief_Justice_Appointments\" >Chief Justice Appointments<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-60\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#What_I_Would_Not_Do\" >What I Would Not Do<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-61\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#I_Would_Not_Support_Government-Controlled_Judicial_Appointments\" >I Would Not Support Government-Controlled Judicial Appointments<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-62\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#I_Would_Not_Support_Parliamentary_Confirmation_Hearings\" >I Would Not Support Parliamentary Confirmation Hearings<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-63\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#I_Would_Not_Create_a_Pure_Examination_System\" >I Would Not Create a Pure Examination System<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-64\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#I_Would_Not_Rely_Upon_AI-Based_Judicial_Ranking\" >I Would Not Rely Upon AI-Based Judicial Ranking<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-65\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#I_Would_Not_Rely_Upon_Pure_Seniority\" >I Would Not Rely Upon Pure Seniority<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-66\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#I_Would_Not_Rely_Upon_Pure_Reputation\" >I Would Not Rely Upon Pure Reputation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-67\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#I_Would_Not_Rely_Upon_Pure_Numerical_Scoring\" >I Would Not Rely Upon Pure Numerical Scoring<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-68\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#And_I_Would_Not_Abolish_the_Collegium_Overnight\" >And I Would Not Abolish the Collegium Overnight<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-69\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#My_Most_Practical_Recommendation_Do_Not_Abolish_the_Collegium_on_Day_One\" >My Most Practical Recommendation: Do Not Abolish the Collegium on Day One<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-70\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Phase_I_%E2%80%94_Build_the_Assessment_Infrastructure\" >Phase I \u2014 Build the Assessment Infrastructure<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-71\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Phase_II_%E2%80%94_Test_It\" >Phase II \u2014 Test It<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-72\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Phase_III_%E2%80%94_Constitutional_Reform_Only_After_Evidence\" >Phase III \u2014 Constitutional Reform Only After Evidence<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-73\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#The_Historical_Back-Test\" >The Historical Back-Test<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-74\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#My_Proposed_18-Month_Pilot\" >My Proposed 18-Month Pilot<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-75\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Proposed_Duration\" >Proposed Duration<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-76\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Potential_Candidate_Universe\" >Potential Candidate Universe<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-77\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Preliminary_Planning_Estimate\" >Preliminary Planning Estimate<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-78\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#The_First_Ten_Actions\" >The First Ten Actions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-79\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#1_Create_an_Independent_Pilot_Governing_Board\" >1. Create an Independent Pilot Governing Board<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-80\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#2_Map_the_Existing_Appointment_Process\" >2. Map the Existing Appointment Process<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-81\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#3_Collect_Historical_Appointment_Data\" >3. Collect Historical Appointment Data<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-82\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#4_Develop_the_Judicial_Merit_Framework\" >4. Develop the Judicial Merit Framework<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-83\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#5_Create_the_Prototype_National_Judicial_Talent_Registry\" >5. Create the Prototype National Judicial Talent Registry<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-84\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#6_Develop_the_Anonymisation_System\" >6. Develop the Anonymisation System<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-85\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#7_Develop_Judicial_Simulations\" >7. Develop Judicial Simulations<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-86\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#8_Recruit_Independent_Assessors\" >8. Recruit Independent Assessors<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-87\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#9_Run_the_Historical_Back-Test\" >9. Run the Historical Back-Test<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-88\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#10_Publish_an_Independent_Pilot_Evaluation\" >10. Publish an Independent Pilot Evaluation<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-89\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#How_Will_We_Know_Whether_IJMIS_Works\" >How Will We Know Whether IJMIS Works?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-90\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Merit\" >Merit<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-91\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Independence\" >Independence<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-92\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Transparency\" >Transparency<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-93\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Efficiency\" >Efficiency<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-94\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Fairness\" >Fairness<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-95\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#The_Five-Year_Audit\" >The Five-Year Audit<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-96\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Ten_Criticisms_I_Expect%E2%80%94and_My_Answers\" >Ten Criticisms I Expect\u2014and My Answers<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-97\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#%E2%80%9CIsnt_This_Simply_NJAC_Under_Another_Name%E2%80%9D\" >&#8220;Isn&#8217;t This Simply NJAC Under Another Name?&#8221;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-98\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#%E2%80%9CMerit_Cannot_Be_Measured%E2%80%9D\" >&#8220;Merit Cannot Be Measured.&#8221;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-99\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#%E2%80%9CThe_Assessment_Authority_Itself_Could_Become_Biased%E2%80%9D\" >&#8220;The Assessment Authority Itself Could Become Biased.&#8221;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-100\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#%E2%80%9CCandidates_Will_Learn_to_Game_the_System%E2%80%9D\" >&#8220;Candidates Will Learn to Game the System.&#8221;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-101\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#%E2%80%9CPolitical_Governments_Will_Eventually_Capture_the_System%E2%80%9D\" >&#8220;Political Governments Will Eventually Capture the System.&#8221;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-102\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#%E2%80%9CJudges_Will_Capture_the_Assessment_Authority%E2%80%9D\" >&#8220;Judges Will Capture the Assessment Authority.&#8221;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-103\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#%E2%80%9CTrue_Blind_Assessment_Is_Impossible%E2%80%9D\" >&#8220;True Blind Assessment Is Impossible.&#8221;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-104\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#%E2%80%9CFamous_Lawyers_Will_Still_Have_an_Advantage%E2%80%9D\" >&#8220;Famous Lawyers Will Still Have an Advantage.&#8221;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-105\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#%E2%80%9CThis_Will_Become_Another_Bureaucratic_Process%E2%80%9D\" >&#8220;This Will Become Another Bureaucratic Process.&#8221;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-106\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#%E2%80%9CWhy_Not_Simply_Improve_the_Collegium%E2%80%9D\" >&#8220;Why Not Simply Improve the Collegium?&#8221;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-107\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#The_Constitutional_Route\" >The Constitutional Route<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-108\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#My_Proposed_Constitutional_End-State\" >My Proposed Constitutional End-State<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-109\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Judicial_Selection_Council_of_India\" >Judicial Selection Council of India<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-110\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#The_Complete_Architecture\" >The Complete Architecture<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-111\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#My_Central_Reform_Principle\" >My Central Reform Principle<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-112\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#The_Three_Models\" >The Three Models<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-113\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Present_Model\" >Present Model<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-114\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Government-Controlled_Model\" >Government-Controlled Model<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-115\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#My_IJMIS_Model\" >My IJMIS Model<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-116\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#My_Final_Position\" >My Final Position<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-117\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#My_Final_Proposal_to_India\" >My Final Proposal to India<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-118\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#First\" >First<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-119\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Second\" >Second<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-120\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Third\" >Third<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-121\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Fourth\" >Fourth<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-122\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Fifth\" >Fifth<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-123\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Sixth\" >Sixth<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-124\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Seventh\" >Seventh<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-125\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Eighth\" >Eighth<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-126\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Ninth\" >Ninth<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-127\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Tenth\" >Tenth<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-128\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#The_Reform_I_Am_Ultimately_Seeking\" >The Reform I Am Ultimately Seeking<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-129\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#My_Vision_for_Indias_Judiciary\" >My Vision for India&#8217;s Judiciary<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-130\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#If_I_Had_to_Reduce_My_Proposal_to_Three_Principles\" >If I Had to Reduce My Proposal to Three Principles<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-131\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Conclusion_India_Can_Do_Better_Without_Sacrificing_Judicial_Independence\" >Conclusion: India Can Do Better Without Sacrificing Judicial Independence<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-132\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Collegium_Versus_Government\" >Collegium Versus Government<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-133\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Independent_Judiciary_Genuine_Merit_Broad_Talent_Discovery_Integrity_Transparency_Speed_Accountability\" >Independent Judiciary + Genuine Merit + Broad Talent Discovery + Integrity + Transparency + Speed + Accountability<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-134\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Indian_Judicial_Merit_Independence_System_%E2%80%94_IJMIS\" >Indian Judicial Merit &amp; Independence System \u2014 IJMIS<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-135\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#About_the_Author\" >About the Author<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-136\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Adv_Tarun_Choudhury\" >Adv. Tarun Choudhury<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-137\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Selected_Research_Basis\" >Selected Research Basis<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-138\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Need_Legal_Guidance_or_a_Second_Opinion\" >Need Legal Guidance or a Second Opinion?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-139\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Adv_Tarun_Choudhury-2\" >Adv. Tarun Choudhury<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-140\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs\" >Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-141\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#1_What_Is_the_Indian_Judicial_Merit_Independence_System_IJMIS\" >1. What Is the Indian Judicial Merit &amp; Independence System (IJMIS)?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-142\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#2_How_Would_IJMIS_Replace_the_Collegium_System_in_India\" >2. How Would IJMIS Replace the Collegium System in India?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-143\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#3_How_Would_Merit_Be_Assessed_for_Appointment_as_a_High_Court_or_Supreme_Court_Judge\" >3. How Would Merit Be Assessed for Appointment as a High Court or Supreme Court Judge?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-144\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#4_How_Will_the_Proposed_Judicial_Selection_System_Prevent_Political_Interference_and_Favouritism\" >4. How Will the Proposed Judicial Selection System Prevent Political Interference and Favouritism?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-145\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#5_What_Is_the_Practical_Solution_Proposed_for_Reforming_Judicial_Appointments_in_India\" >5. What Is the Practical Solution Proposed for Reforming Judicial Appointments in India?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-146\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#%F0%9F%94%91_Key_Takeaways_Proposed_Reform_of_Indias_Collegium_System\" >\ud83d\udd11 Key Takeaways: Proposed Reform of India\u2019s Collegium System<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-147\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-appointment-reform-india-collegium-ijmis\/#Summary\" >Summary<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-a-proposal-from-a-lawyer-who-has-watched-the-system-closely\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Proposal_From_a_Lawyer_Who_Has_Watched_the_System_Closely\"><\/span>A Proposal From a Lawyer Who Has Watched the System Closely<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For more than twenty-five years, I have had the privilege of observing the Indian legal system from close quarters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I have seen extraordinary judges. I have seen exceptionally talented advocates. I have also seen young lawyers with remarkable constitutional ability who, in my view, deserve to be noticed far beyond the professional circles in which they practise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the same time, I have heard a recurring concern from members of the Bar, litigants and ordinary citizens:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How exactly are candidates for the higher judiciary discovered, compared and ultimately selected?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let me make my position clear at the very beginning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>I am not writing this article to attack the judiciary. I am writing it because I want to strengthen it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-judicial-independence-and-transparency\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Judicial_Independence_and_Transparency\"><\/span>Judicial Independence and Transparency<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Judicial independence is non-negotiable. A judge must be able to decide a case without fear of the government, political parties, powerful individuals or public pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But judicial independence and transparency in the discovery and assessment of judicial talent are not mutually exclusive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In fact, I believe they can\u2014and should\u2014exist together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Supreme Court has itself taken important steps towards greater transparency in the appointment process. Recent disclosures have made considerably more information available regarding recommendations, candidate sources, appointment-related information and certain relationship disclosures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Therefore, my argument is <strong>not<\/strong> that nothing is transparent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">My argument is more specific:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Transparency about a decision is not the same as an objectively demonstrable method of comparing merit before that decision is made.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That is the problem I want to address.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-my-central-proposal-ijmis\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"My_Central_Proposal_IJMIS\"><\/span>My Central Proposal: IJMIS<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I propose that India should gradually develop a new judicial-selection architecture which I call the:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-indian-judicial-merit-amp-independence-system\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Indian_Judicial_Merit_Independence_System\"><\/span>Indian Judicial Merit &amp; Independence System<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"h-ijmis\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"IJMIS\"><\/span>IJMIS<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The idea behind IJMIS is simple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I want India to have a system in which:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>judicial talent is discovered broadly;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Professional merit is assessed independently;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Integrity is separately verified;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Conflicts are properly disclosed;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Political interference is prevented;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>judicial independence remains constitutionally protected; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The selection process becomes capable of being explained, evaluated and audited.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I am <strong>not<\/strong> proposing that the Union Government should control judicial appointments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I am equally opposed to giving politicians the power to decide who becomes a judge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That could create a danger greater than the problem we are attempting to solve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead, I propose something fundamentally different:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Separate the stages of discovery, assessment, verification and final selection.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The broad architecture would be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Talent Discovery \u2192 Independent Evidence Collection \u2192 Merit Assessment \u2192 Integrity &amp; Conflict Verification \u2192 Judicial Selection \u2192 Constitutional Appointment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That separation is the heart of my proposal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-why-do-i-believe-reform-is-necessary\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Do_I_Believe_Reform_Is_Necessary\"><\/span>Why Do I Believe Reform Is Necessary?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The judiciary can determine almost every aspect of an individual&#8217;s life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A judge may decide questions involving:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>personal liberty;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>property;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>commercial disputes;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>constitutional rights;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>taxation;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>criminal liability;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>environmental protection;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>governmental power;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>family rights; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>institutional conflicts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The quality of judicial appointments therefore affects not merely the legal profession but the entire country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I do not suggest that the present collegium necessarily produces unsuitable judges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That would be an unfair and unsupported generalisation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">My concern is different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The institutional architecture should be stronger than the personalities operating it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A good institutional system should continue to work properly even when the individuals running it change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That, in my view, is the real test of institutional reform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-the-debate-should-not-be-judges-versus-government\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Debate_Should_Not_Be_%E2%80%9CJudges_Versus_Government%E2%80%9D\"><\/span>The Debate Should Not Be &#8220;Judges Versus Government&#8221;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For years, the national debate has often been reduced to one question:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Should judges appoint judges?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Or:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Should the government appoint judges?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I believe that is a false choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Neither extreme is desirable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Government-controlled appointments can create the danger of political influence over the judiciary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the other hand, if the discovery, evaluation and recommendation of candidates are concentrated within a relatively small professional network, different risks can arise\u2014such as institutional familiarity, professional-network concentration and subjective assessment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So my answer is neither complete judicial control nor political control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">My principle is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pluralise the information, not the political power.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That, in one sentence, explains the philosophy behind IJMIS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-i-am-not-proposing-another-njac\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"I_Am_Not_Proposing_Another_NJAC\"><\/span>I Am Not Proposing Another NJAC<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This distinction is extremely important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Supreme Court&#8217;s decision striking down the NJAC was fundamentally connected with the constitutional protection of judicial independence and the basic-structure doctrine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Therefore, any serious proposal for reform must respect that constitutional reality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I am not proposing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Government control instead of judicial control.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I am proposing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Judicial independence combined with professional, evidence-based and auditable selection.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The difference is substantial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">My proposal begins not by asking, &#8220;Who should control the judges?&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It begins by asking:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>&#8220;How do we ensure that the best possible candidates are actually discovered and fairly evaluated?&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-the-first-pillar-a-national-judicial-talent-pool\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_First_Pillar_A_National_Judicial_Talent_Pool\"><\/span>The First Pillar: A National Judicial Talent Pool<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first question any appointment system must answer is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-who-gets-considered\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_Gets_Considered\"><\/span>Who Gets Considered?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I propose creating a <strong>National Judicial Talent Pool<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Potential candidates should be discoverable through multiple legitimate routes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-route-1-judicial-service\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Route_1_%E2%80%94_Judicial_Service\"><\/span>Route 1 \u2014 Judicial Service<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Outstanding district and subordinate judicial officers should have a clear pathway towards the higher judiciary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-route-2-the-independent-bar\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Route_2_%E2%80%94_The_Independent_Bar\"><\/span>Route 2 \u2014 The Independent Bar<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Outstanding practising advocates should be identified through their actual professional record rather than merely through personal visibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-route-3-distinguished-legal-scholarship\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Route_3_%E2%80%94_Distinguished_Legal_Scholarship\"><\/span>Route 3 \u2014 Distinguished Legal Scholarship<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Exceptional legal academics and jurists who satisfy constitutional eligibility requirements should also be capable of entering consideration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-route-4-institutional-nomination\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Route_4_%E2%80%94_Institutional_Nomination\"><\/span>Route 4 \u2014 Institutional Nomination<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Recognised legal institutions and authorised bodies should be able to identify deserving candidates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-route-5-judicial-recommendation\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Route_5_%E2%80%94_Judicial_Recommendation\"><\/span>Route 5 \u2014 Judicial Recommendation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Judges should continue to be able to recommend outstanding candidates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But there should be one important difference:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A recommendation should be an input into the process\u2014not an appointment pathway by itself.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Knowing a judge personally or having a professional association with a judge should not automatically determine whether someone reaches the serious consideration stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-the-national-judicial-talent-registry\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_National_Judicial_Talent_Registry\"><\/span>The National Judicial Talent Registry<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I therefore propose a secure:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-national-judicial-talent-registry\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"National_Judicial_Talent_Registry\"><\/span>National Judicial Talent Registry<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This registry would not select judges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Its purpose would be to make India&#8217;s judicial talent pool broader and more discoverable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Subject to appropriate consent and privacy safeguards, relevant information could include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>years of practice;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>areas of expertise;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>significant litigation;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>judicial experience;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>important judgements;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>legal publications;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>disciplinary history;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>integrity declarations;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>conflict disclosures; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>professional references.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The purpose is simple:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>We should not lose an exceptional candidate merely because nobody within the traditional professional network happened to recommend that person.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-three-broad-routes-into-the-higher-judiciary\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Three_Broad_Routes_Into_the_Higher_Judiciary\"><\/span>Three Broad Routes Into the Higher Judiciary<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I believe India should deliberately recognise three principal pathways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Track<\/th><th>Pathway<\/th><th>Purpose<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Track A \u2014 Judicial Service<\/strong><\/td><td>District Judiciary \u2192 High Court \u2192 Supreme Court<\/td><td>Recognise outstanding judicial officers through a structured career pathway.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Track B \u2014 Bar<\/strong><\/td><td>Advocate \u2192 High Court \u2192 Supreme Court<\/td><td>Identify exceptional practising advocates through their professional record.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Track C \u2014 Exceptional Jurist<\/strong><\/td><td>Academia \/ Constitutional Law \/ Specialist Legal Expertise \u2192 Higher Judiciary<\/td><td>Bring exceptional legal scholarship and specialist expertise into consideration.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This should not become a quota system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It should be a <strong>talent-discovery system<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The purpose is not to artificially balance categories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The purpose is to ensure that exceptional legal talent is not missed because it exists outside the most visible professional networks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-the-judicial-merit-assessment-authority\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Judicial_Merit_Assessment_Authority\"><\/span>The Judicial Merit Assessment Authority<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The next institutional layer would be the:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-judicial-merit-assessment-authority-jmaa\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Judicial_Merit_Assessment_Authority_%E2%80%94_JMAA\"><\/span>Judicial Merit Assessment Authority \u2014 JMAA<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The JMAA would <strong>not appoint judges<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That separation is essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Its responsibility would be to collect evidence and conduct structured professional assessments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Its membership could include appropriately selected:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>retired judges;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>senior advocates;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>legal academics;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>judicial administrators;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>assessment specialists;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ethics professionals; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>other independent specialists.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Members should have fixed terms, strict conflict-of-interest rules and appropriate safeguards against institutional capture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Authority should not become another centre of power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Its job should be much narrower:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Collect the evidence. Assess the evidence. Present the evidence.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The final constitutional decision should remain separate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-i-do-not-believe-in-giving-candidates-marks-like-school-students\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"I_Do_Not_Believe_in_Giving_Candidates_Marks_Like_School_Students\"><\/span>I Do Not Believe in Giving Candidates Marks Like School Students<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I want to make one point very clear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I do not propose a system where a candidate receives:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>90\/100 = Excellent<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>80\/100 = Good<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>70\/100 = Average<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Judicial excellence cannot be reduced to a school examination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A judge who disposes of cases rapidly is not necessarily a better judge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A judge whose decision is reversed is not necessarily a poor judge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A famous advocate is not automatically a good judge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And an advocate who is not famous may possess extraordinary constitutional ability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Therefore:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>No single metric should ever determine judicial appointment.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-the-judicial-evidence-profile\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Judicial_Evidence_Profile\"><\/span>The Judicial Evidence Profile<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead of one numerical score, I propose that each candidate should have a:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Judicial Evidence Profile<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It should broadly examine five dimensions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-1-legal-excellence\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Legal_Excellence\"><\/span>1. Legal Excellence<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This would include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>legal reasoning;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>knowledge of law;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>constitutional understanding;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>complexity of cases handled; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>quality of legal analysis.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-2-judicial-capacity\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Judicial_Capacity\"><\/span>2. Judicial Capacity<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This could include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>judgement writing;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>procedural understanding;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>case management;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ability to distinguish precedent; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ability to balance competing rights.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-3-integrity\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Integrity\"><\/span>3. Integrity<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This would examine:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>professional conduct;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>disciplinary history;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>relevant financial declarations;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>complaints; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>conflicts of interest.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-4-constitutional-temperament\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Constitutional_Temperament\"><\/span>4. Constitutional Temperament<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is particularly important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A judge needs more than legal knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The assessment should consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>independence;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>fairness;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>judicial restraint;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>proportionality;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>respect for precedent; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>willingness to fairly consider opposing arguments.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-5-professional-reputation\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Professional_Reputation\"><\/span>5. Professional Reputation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Professional reputation should be assessed through independently verified evidence rather than mere popularity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-my-three-evidence-rule\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"My_Three-Evidence_Rule\"><\/span>My Three-Evidence Rule<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I propose a simple safeguard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No candidate should reach the final selection stage without three independent categories of evidence supporting suitability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These would be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Evidence<\/th><th>What It Should Examine<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Evidence 1 \u2014 Actual Professional Record<\/strong><\/td><td>What has the candidate actually done?<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Evidence 2 \u2014 Independent Assessment<\/strong><\/td><td>How does the candidate perform when subjected to structured professional assessment?<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Evidence 3 \u2014 Integrity and Professional Verification<\/strong><\/td><td>What does independent verification reveal?<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This would reduce the possibility that reputation alone determines appointment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-the-name-blind-first-stage\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Name-Blind_First_Stage\"><\/span>The Name-Blind First Stage<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here I propose one of the more innovative features of IJMIS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Where reasonably possible, the first stage of professional assessment should be name-blind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead of initially presenting:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>&#8220;Senior Advocate X&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The assessor could receive:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>&#8220;Candidate 1047.&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The assessor would first examine anonymised legal work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Obviously, identity cannot remain hidden throughout the entire appointment process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That is neither practical nor desirable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But the first professional impression should ideally come from:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>legal ability rather than fame,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>family association,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>institutional reputation, or<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>personal familiarity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The United Kingdom&#8217;s Judicial Appointments Commission provides an example of structured assessment practices that India could study and adapt to its own constitutional framework.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The objective is not to copy another country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The objective is to learn from what works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-the-judicial-simulation\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Judicial_Simulation\"><\/span>The Judicial Simulation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I would introduce another important innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shortlisted candidates could be given a realistic judicial problem containing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>legislation;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>constitutional provisions;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>conflicting precedents;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>disputed facts;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>procedural objections; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>competing rights.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The candidate would then be asked to prepare:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>An interim order<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A final judgement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A counter-argument<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A short oral hearing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This should not become another competitive examination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It should be a simulation of judicial reasoning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The fundamental question would be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How does this person actually think when confronted with a difficult legal problem?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That may reveal something which professional reputation alone cannot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-my-dissent-test\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"My_%E2%80%9CDissent_Test%E2%80%9D\"><\/span>My &#8220;Dissent Test&#8221;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I would go one step further.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A candidate should be asked to present:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the strongest argument supporting a proposition;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the strongest argument against it; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the candidate&#8217;s final conclusion.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Why?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because a good judge must understand the strongest case against his or her own conclusion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Someone who cannot fairly articulate the opposing argument may possess legal knowledge but lack the judicial temperament required for constitutional adjudication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-integrity-must-be-a-threshold-not-a-score\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Integrity_Must_Be_a_Threshold_Not_a_Score\"><\/span>Integrity Must Be a Threshold, Not a Score<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I consider this fundamental.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Integrity should not be treated merely as another component in a mathematical formula.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Suppose someone is extraordinarily brilliant in law but has serious unresolved integrity concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Should exceptional legal ability compensate for that?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">My answer is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>No.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Therefore:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Integrity should be a threshold condition, not a compensating score.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Legal brilliance cannot purchase ethical fitness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-the-independent-conflict-registry\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Independent_Conflict_Registry\"><\/span>The Independent Conflict Registry<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before a candidate reaches final consideration, potential conflicts should be identified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These could include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>family relationships with judges;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>former chamber relationships;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>major common clients;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>professional partnerships;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>significant financial relationships;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>previous employment; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>other material professional connections.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But I would not automatically treat every relationship as disqualifying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Conflict should ordinarily mean disclosure and enhanced scrutiny\u2014not automatic exclusion.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The objective is transparency and fairness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-detecting-professional-network-concentration\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Detecting_Professional-Network_Concentration\"><\/span>Detecting Professional-Network Concentration<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the most important safeguards in my proposal is an annual statistical review of where successful candidates are coming from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The system could publish aggregate information showing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Candidate Source<\/th><th>Considered<\/th><th>Shortlisted<\/th><th>Appointed<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Judicial Service<\/td><td>\u2014<\/td><td>\u2014<\/td><td>\u2014<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Independent Bar<\/td><td>\u2014<\/td><td>\u2014<\/td><td>\u2014<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Academia \/ Jurists<\/td><td>\u2014<\/td><td>\u2014<\/td><td>\u2014<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Institutional Nominations<\/td><td>\u2014<\/td><td>\u2014<\/td><td>\u2014<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The figures would come from the actual system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-why-does-this-matter\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Does_This_Matter\"><\/span>Why Does This Matter?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Suppose appointments repeatedly come overwhelmingly from a very small professional network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That would not automatically prove nepotism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But it would be an <strong>objective warning signal<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The system should then ask:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Are equally capable candidates outside that network being overlooked?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-the-selection-concentration-index\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Selection_Concentration_Index\"><\/span>The Selection Concentration Index<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I propose a new institutional measurement:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-selection-concentration-index-sci\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Selection_Concentration_Index_%E2%80%94_SCI\"><\/span>Selection Concentration Index \u2014 SCI<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The SCI could measure the concentration of successful candidates across:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>chambers;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>law firms;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>professional institutions;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>geographical origin;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>previous employment;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>judicial-family connections; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>professional networks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A persistently high concentration could trigger an independent audit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The purpose is not to punish successful lawyers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the same chambers consistently produce outstanding candidates, there may be perfectly legitimate reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The purpose is to determine whether the system is <strong>systematically overlooking talent outside those networks<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-the-missed-talent-index\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Missed_Talent_Index\"><\/span>The Missed Talent Index<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This, in my view, is one of the most important ideas in my proposal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most appointment systems ask:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Did we appoint the right people?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I propose that India should ask another question:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Whom did we fail to recognise?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Candidates who narrowly missed selection could, subject to privacy safeguards, be tracked for institutional learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After five years, an independent review could examine whether some repeatedly overlooked candidates later demonstrated exceptional professional or judicial performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the system discovers that it repeatedly rejected people who subsequently became outstanding jurists, the methodology should be corrected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That creates something we rarely build into institutions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-a-genuine-learning-loop\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Genuine_Learning_Loop\"><\/span>A Genuine Learning Loop<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-the-judicial-selection-council\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Judicial_Selection_Council\"><\/span>The Judicial Selection Council<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once independent assessment and integrity verification are completed, the final recommendation should be made by a constitutionally protected:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-judicial-selection-council\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Judicial_Selection_Council\"><\/span>Judicial Selection Council<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">My preliminary model would contemplate seven members:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Chief Justice of India \u2014 Chairperson;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>two senior Supreme Court judges;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>one Chief Justice of a High Court;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>one distinguished retired judge;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>one distinguished constitutional\/legal academic or jurist; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>one independent, non-political public member with demonstrated expertise in constitutional governance.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The exact constitutional composition would require extensive consultation and legal scrutiny.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But my fundamental principle is clear:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The judiciary must retain a decisive role, but the judiciary should not be the only institutional source of candidate discovery and assessment.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-why-i-would-not-give-the-law-minister-a-voting-seat\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_I_Would_Not_Give_the_Law_Minister_a_Voting_Seat\"><\/span>Why I Would Not Give the Law Minister a Voting Seat<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is deliberate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The government has legitimate constitutional responsibilities in the appointment process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It should be able to provide relevant:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>verification;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>security information;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>constitutional processing; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>adverse information supported by evidence.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But giving the political executive a decisive vote over judicial appointments creates an unacceptable risk of political influence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The government should have a voice where constitutionally appropriate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It should not have unrestricted political control over who becomes a judge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-government-objections-must-be-evidence-based\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Government_Objections_Must_Be_Evidence-Based\"><\/span>Government Objections Must Be Evidence-Based<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the government objects to a candidate, it should not be sufficient to say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;We do not like this candidate.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The objection should be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>specific;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>evidence-based;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>legally relevant; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>documented.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The government should have to say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>&#8220;Here is the relevant information, and here is why it matters.&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Where confidentiality and security considerations permit, the candidate should have an appropriate opportunity to respond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The final constitutional assessment should remain with the Judicial Selection Council.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-my-explain-or-reconsider-rule\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"My_%E2%80%9CExplain-or-Reconsider%E2%80%9D_Rule\"><\/span>My &#8220;Explain-or-Reconsider&#8221; Rule<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Suppose the independent assessment places Candidate Above is Candidate B.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Selection Council nevertheless chooses Candidate B.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I do not believe that should automatically invalidate the decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A constitutional body must retain the ability to exercise judgement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But the departure should be capable of explanation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Council should record appropriate confidential reasons explaining why it departed from the material assessment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the reasons do not adequately address significant evidence, the matter should return for reconsideration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In simple terms:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Accountability without political control.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-solving-the-vacancy-problem\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Solving_the_Vacancy_Problem\"><\/span>Solving the Vacancy Problem<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is another practical problem that judicial-selection reform cannot ignore:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-vacancies\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Vacancies\"><\/span>Vacancies<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to the Department of Justice data cited in my proposal, as of 1 June 2026 there were <strong>333 vacancies in the High Courts against a sanctioned strength of 1,122<\/strong>, while the Supreme Court had <strong>six vacancies against a sanctioned strength of 38<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We cannot sensibly operate a system that begins searching for candidates only after a vacancy occurs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I therefore propose the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-rolling-judicial-talent-pool\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Rolling_Judicial_Talent_Pool\"><\/span>Rolling Judicial Talent Pool<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">with three categories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-pool-a-ready\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pool_A_%E2%80%94_Ready\"><\/span>Pool A \u2014 Ready<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Candidates eligible for immediate consideration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-pool-b-near-ready\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pool_B_%E2%80%94_Near_Ready\"><\/span>Pool B \u2014 Near Ready<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Candidates are likely to become eligible within approximately twelve months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-pool-c-emerging\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pool_C_%E2%80%94_Emerging\"><\/span>Pool C \u2014 Emerging<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Outstanding candidates who should be monitored for future eligibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The philosophy changes from:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Vacancy \u2192 Search \u2192 Delay<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Continuous Talent Identification \u2192 Vacancy \u2192 Immediate Selection<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-my-proposed-appointment-clock\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"My_Proposed_Appointment_Clock\"><\/span>My Proposed Appointment Clock<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Where a vacancy can be anticipated, the process should begin well in advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-12-months-before-anticipated-vacancy\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"12_Months_Before_Anticipated_Vacancy\"><\/span>12 Months Before Anticipated Vacancy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Talent assessment begins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-9-months\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Months\"><\/span>9 Months<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Candidate pool established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-6-months\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Months\"><\/span>6 Months<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Merit assessment completed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-3-months\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Months\"><\/span>3 Months<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Integrity and conflict verification completed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-vacancy\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Vacancy\"><\/span>Vacancy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The final recommendation is substantially ready.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I would aim for an ordinary selection process to be completed in approximately six months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The precise statutory or administrative timelines would, of course, need careful constitutional design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But the principle is straightforward:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>We should stop treating predictable vacancies as unpredictable events.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-supreme-court-appointments-should-have-an-even-higher-threshold\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Supreme_Court_Appointments_Should_Have_an_Even_Higher_Threshold\"><\/span>Supreme Court Appointments Should Have an Even Higher Threshold<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For an appointment to the Supreme Court, the assessment should become more demanding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The system should consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>constitutional jurisprudence;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>quality of legal reasoning;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>institutional judgement;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>independence;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>judicial temperament;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ability to handle complex constitutional questions;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>consistency; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>institutional leadership.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The system should recognise both:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>exceptional High Court judges<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">and<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>exceptional members of the Bar.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Neither route should automatically be regarded as superior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-chief-justice-appointments\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Chief_Justice_Appointments\"><\/span>Chief Justice Appointments<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I would retain seniority as a strong presumption for appointment as Chief Justice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Seniority provides predictability and reduces opportunities for arbitrary preference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But seniority should not become an absolute entitlement where serious concerns regarding integrity, competence or institutional suitability exist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the normal seniority principle is departed from, reasons should be recorded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-what-i-would-not-do\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_I_Would_Not_Do\"><\/span>What I Would Not Do<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">My proposal deliberately rejects several approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-i-would-not-support-government-controlled-judicial-appointments\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"I_Would_Not_Support_Government-Controlled_Judicial_Appointments\"><\/span>I Would Not Support Government-Controlled Judicial Appointments<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Judicial independence could be compromised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-i-would-not-support-parliamentary-confirmation-hearings\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"I_Would_Not_Support_Parliamentary_Confirmation_Hearings\"><\/span>I Would Not Support Parliamentary Confirmation Hearings<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They could politicise judicial appointments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-i-would-not-create-a-pure-examination-system\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"I_Would_Not_Create_a_Pure_Examination_System\"><\/span>I Would Not Create a Pure Examination System<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Judging is not merely examination performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-i-would-not-rely-upon-ai-based-judicial-ranking\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"I_Would_Not_Rely_Upon_AI-Based_Judicial_Ranking\"><\/span>I Would Not Rely Upon AI-Based Judicial Ranking<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Algorithmic bias can become invisible institutional bias.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-i-would-not-rely-upon-pure-seniority\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"I_Would_Not_Rely_Upon_Pure_Seniority\"><\/span>I Would Not Rely Upon Pure Seniority<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Longevity is not the same as excellence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-i-would-not-rely-upon-pure-reputation\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"I_Would_Not_Rely_Upon_Pure_Reputation\"><\/span>I Would Not Rely Upon Pure Reputation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Reputation can be influenced by professional networks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-i-would-not-rely-upon-pure-numerical-scoring\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"I_Would_Not_Rely_Upon_Pure_Numerical_Scoring\"><\/span>I Would Not Rely Upon Pure Numerical Scoring<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every metric can eventually be manipulated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-and-i-would-not-abolish-the-collegium-overnight\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"And_I_Would_Not_Abolish_the_Collegium_Overnight\"><\/span>And I Would Not Abolish the Collegium Overnight<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Constitutional confrontation is unnecessary when a safer transition is available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-my-most-practical-recommendation-do-not-abolish-the-collegium-on-day-one\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"My_Most_Practical_Recommendation_Do_Not_Abolish_the_Collegium_on_Day_One\"><\/span>My Most Practical Recommendation: Do Not Abolish the Collegium on Day One<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is where I believe my proposal is fundamentally different from a conventional &#8220;replace the collegium&#8221; argument.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I am not asking India to take a constitutional leap into the unknown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I propose a <strong>transition model<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-phase-i-build-the-assessment-infrastructure\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Phase_I_%E2%80%94_Build_the_Assessment_Infrastructure\"><\/span>Phase I \u2014 Build the Assessment Infrastructure<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Retain the existing constitutional mechanism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Create an independent judicial merit assessment secretariat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The collegium continues to make constitutional recommendations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But it receives an independent evidence dossier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In other words:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Do not immediately change who has the constitutional power.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First improve the information available to the people exercising that power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-phase-ii-test-it\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Phase_II_%E2%80%94_Test_It\"><\/span>Phase II \u2014 Test It<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Operate the new system for approximately two years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Measure:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>quality of candidate discovery;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>diversity of candidate sources;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>appointment speed;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>professional-network concentration;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>assessment reliability;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>integrity findings;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>missed talent; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>subsequent performance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the system performs badly:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Change it or abandon it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If it performs well:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Proceed to Phase III.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-phase-iii-constitutional-reform-only-after-evidence\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Phase_III_%E2%80%94_Constitutional_Reform_Only_After_Evidence\"><\/span>Phase III \u2014 Constitutional Reform Only After Evidence<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Only after sufficient evidence has been generated should Parliament consider whether a constitutional amendment is necessary to transform the existing collegium structure into a judicial selection council.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This approach is, in my view, far safer than beginning with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>&#8220;Abolish the collegium immediately.&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">My philosophy is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Build it. Test it. Prove it. Then constitutionalise it.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-the-historical-back-test\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Historical_Back-Test\"><\/span>The Historical Back-Test<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before changing the Constitution, I would conduct another experiment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Take judicial appointments made during the previous five to ten years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Remove the names.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Provide independent assessors with the professional evidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then ask:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Who would this system have selected?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The results can then be compared with the actual appointments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the proposed system consistently identifies candidates whom independent experts regard as stronger, that provides meaningful evidence in favour of reform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But if the proposed system performs worse, I would <strong>not support implementing it<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That safeguard is essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A reform proposal should be willing to fail its own test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-my-proposed-18-month-pilot\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"My_Proposed_18-Month_Pilot\"><\/span>My Proposed 18-Month Pilot<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I propose initially testing the system in two High Courts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The pilot should operate as a <strong>shadow selection system<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It should not pretend to override the existing constitutional framework.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-proposed-duration\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Proposed_Duration\"><\/span>Proposed Duration<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>18 months<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-potential-candidate-universe\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Potential_Candidate_Universe\"><\/span>Potential Candidate Universe<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Approximately <strong>200\u2013300 candidates<\/strong>, subject to actual eligibility and vacancy cycles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-preliminary-planning-estimate\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Preliminary_Planning_Estimate\"><\/span>Preliminary Planning Estimate<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Approximately <strong>\u20b910\u201320 crore<\/strong> for the pilot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is only a policy estimate and not an official government cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The principal costs would involve:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>professional staff;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>secure information systems;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>independent assessors;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>integrity verification;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>legal and constitutional research; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>independent evaluation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-the-first-ten-actions\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_First_Ten_Actions\"><\/span>The First Ten Actions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If I were asked to operationalise this proposal, I would begin with ten steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-1-create-an-independent-pilot-governing-board\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Create_an_Independent_Pilot_Governing_Board\"><\/span>1. Create an Independent Pilot Governing Board<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-2-map-the-existing-appointment-process\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Map_the_Existing_Appointment_Process\"><\/span>2. Map the Existing Appointment Process<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-3-collect-historical-appointment-data\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Collect_Historical_Appointment_Data\"><\/span>3. Collect Historical Appointment Data<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-4-develop-the-judicial-merit-framework\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Develop_the_Judicial_Merit_Framework\"><\/span>4. Develop the Judicial Merit Framework<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-5-create-the-prototype-national-judicial-talent-registry\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Create_the_Prototype_National_Judicial_Talent_Registry\"><\/span>5. Create the Prototype National Judicial Talent Registry<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-6-develop-the-anonymisation-system\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Develop_the_Anonymisation_System\"><\/span>6. Develop the Anonymisation System<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-7-develop-judicial-simulations\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Develop_Judicial_Simulations\"><\/span>7. Develop Judicial Simulations<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-8-recruit-independent-assessors\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Recruit_Independent_Assessors\"><\/span>8. Recruit Independent Assessors<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-9-run-the-historical-back-test\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Run_the_Historical_Back-Test\"><\/span>9. Run the Historical Back-Test<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-10-publish-an-independent-pilot-evaluation\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_Publish_an_Independent_Pilot_Evaluation\"><\/span>10. Publish an Independent Pilot Evaluation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This would transform the debate from theory into evidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-how-will-we-know-whether-ijmis-works\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Will_We_Know_Whether_IJMIS_Works\"><\/span>How Will We Know Whether IJMIS Works?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I believe every institutional reform should have measurable outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I would therefore assess five broad areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-merit\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Merit\"><\/span>Merit<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>quality of the candidate pool;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>assessment reliability;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>independent expert review.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-independence\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Independence\"><\/span>Independence<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>political interference;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Government objections;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>judicial decision-making independence.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-transparency\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Transparency\"><\/span>Transparency<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>process documentation;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>completeness of records;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>reasoned departures.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-efficiency\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Efficiency\"><\/span>Efficiency<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>time from anticipated vacancy to recommendation;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>vacancy duration;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>processing time.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-fairness\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fairness\"><\/span>Fairness<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>diversity of candidate sources;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>professional-network concentration;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>missed talent;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>conflict disclosure.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-the-five-year-audit\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Five-Year_Audit\"><\/span>The Five-Year Audit<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every five years, an independent audit should ask some uncomfortable questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Who was considered?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Who was shortlisted?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Who was appointed?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Why?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Who was overlooked?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Were particular networks disproportionately successful?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Were appointments timely?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Did government objections materially influence selection?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Was judicial independence protected?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Did the system discover exceptional candidates outside traditional networks?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And finally:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Is the system actually producing better judges?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the answer is no, the system must change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-ten-criticisms-i-expect-and-my-answers\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ten_Criticisms_I_Expect%E2%80%94and_My_Answers\"><\/span>Ten Criticisms I Expect\u2014and My Answers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-isn-t-this-simply-njac-under-another-name\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%E2%80%9CIsnt_This_Simply_NJAC_Under_Another_Name%E2%80%9D\"><\/span>&#8220;Isn&#8217;t This Simply NJAC Under Another Name?&#8221;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">NJAC primarily concerned the composition of the appointment body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">My proposal first changes the <strong>candidate pipeline, evidence architecture and assessment mechanism<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-merit-cannot-be-measured\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%E2%80%9CMerit_Cannot_Be_Measured%E2%80%9D\"><\/span>&#8220;Merit Cannot Be Measured.&#8221;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I agree that judicial merit cannot be perfectly measured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That is precisely why I do not propose a single merit score.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I propose multiple independent streams of evidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-the-assessment-authority-itself-could-become-biased\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%E2%80%9CThe_Assessment_Authority_Itself_Could_Become_Biased%E2%80%9D\"><\/span>&#8220;The Assessment Authority Itself Could Become Biased.&#8221;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Absolutely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That risk exists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Therefore, it needs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>fixed terms;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>rotating assessors;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>conflict rules;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>random audits;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>independent oversight; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>statistical bias testing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-candidates-will-learn-to-game-the-system\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%E2%80%9CCandidates_Will_Learn_to_Game_the_System%E2%80%9D\"><\/span>&#8220;Candidates Will Learn to Game the System.&#8221;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Possibly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every human system can be gamed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That is why no single metric should determine appointment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-political-governments-will-eventually-capture-the-system\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%E2%80%9CPolitical_Governments_Will_Eventually_Capture_the_System%E2%80%9D\"><\/span>&#8220;Political Governments Will Eventually Capture the System.&#8221;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That is precisely why the political executive should not control the final Selection Council.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-judges-will-capture-the-assessment-authority\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%E2%80%9CJudges_Will_Capture_the_Assessment_Authority%E2%80%9D\"><\/span>&#8220;Judges Will Capture the Assessment Authority.&#8221;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That is why the assessment architecture should have broader professional participation and independent safeguards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-true-blind-assessment-is-impossible\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%E2%80%9CTrue_Blind_Assessment_Is_Impossible%E2%80%9D\"><\/span>&#8220;True Blind Assessment Is Impossible.&#8221;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Perfect blindness is impossible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But partial blindness is useful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The objective is not perfection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The objective is to reduce early identity-based influence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-famous-lawyers-will-still-have-an-advantage\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%E2%80%9CFamous_Lawyers_Will_Still_Have_an_Advantage%E2%80%9D\"><\/span>&#8220;Famous Lawyers Will Still Have an Advantage.&#8221;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Possibly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But the system can ask a much better question:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Is that advantage supported by demonstrated competence?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-this-will-become-another-bureaucratic-process\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%E2%80%9CThis_Will_Become_Another_Bureaucratic_Process%E2%80%9D\"><\/span>&#8220;This Will Become Another Bureaucratic Process.&#8221;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That is a genuine danger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The answer is to keep the system evidence-based but administratively lean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-why-not-simply-improve-the-collegium\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%E2%80%9CWhy_Not_Simply_Improve_the_Collegium%E2%80%9D\"><\/span>&#8220;Why Not Simply Improve the Collegium?&#8221;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">My answer is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>That is exactly where I would begin.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If an independent merit-assessment system significantly improves the functioning of the collegium, perhaps the constitutional structure does not need to be radically altered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I am not interested in changing institutions merely for the sake of changing institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>I am interested in producing better judges through a better system.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-the-constitutional-route\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Constitutional_Route\"><\/span>The Constitutional Route<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Any permanent replacement of the collegium must be approached with exceptional constitutional care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Articles 124 and 217 govern appointments to the Supreme Court and High Courts, while the Judges Cases and the Supreme Court&#8217;s 2015 NJAC judgement form an important part of the constitutional background.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The post-NJAC developments concerning transparency, eligibility criteria, a secretariat, complaints and recording of dissent are also highly relevant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Therefore, my first-stage proposal is intentionally conservative:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Improve the machinery before attempting to rewrite the constitutional structure.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-my-proposed-constitutional-end-state\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"My_Proposed_Constitutional_End-State\"><\/span>My Proposed Constitutional End-State<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the pilot succeeds, I would ultimately support consideration of a constitutional amendment creating a:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-judicial-selection-council-of-india\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Judicial_Selection_Council_of_India\"><\/span>Judicial Selection Council of India<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Council should have:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Judicial majority;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fixed tenure;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Protected independence;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>An independent secretariat;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Transparent selection criteria;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strict conflict rules;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Defined timelines;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reasoned decisions;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Protection against political veto; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Periodic institutional audit.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Council should replace the collegium as the final judicial-selection mechanism <strong>only after the evidence-based infrastructure has been tested and shown to work.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-the-complete-architecture\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Complete_Architecture\"><\/span>The Complete Architecture<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">My proposed system would ultimately look like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Citizens &amp; Legal Community<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2193<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>National Judicial Talent Pool<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2193<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Judicial Merit Assessment Authority<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2193<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Independent Integrity &amp; Conflict Review<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2193<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Judicial Selection Council<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2193<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>President of India<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2193<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Judicial Training &amp; Institutional Support<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2193<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Five-Year Independent Audit<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2193<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Improved Selection Framework<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2193<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Back to the Talent Pool<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This creates a <strong>closed institutional learning loop.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Selection generates data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Data generates evaluation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Evaluation generates institutional improvement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Institutional improvement strengthens future selection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-my-central-reform-principle\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"My_Central_Reform_Principle\"><\/span>My Central Reform Principle<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After examining the problem, I have reached one central conclusion:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>No institution should have exclusive control over both the candidate pool and the final selection.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But there is an equally important second principle:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>No political institution should have control over the judiciary.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These principles are not contradictory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They can coexist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That is precisely what IJMIS attempts to achieve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-the-three-models\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Three_Models\"><\/span>The Three Models<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The difference can be stated very simply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-present-model\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Present_Model\"><\/span>Present Model<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Judicial Ecosystem \u2192 Recommendation \u2192 Collegium Evaluation \u2192 Appointment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-government-controlled-model\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Government-Controlled_Model\"><\/span>Government-Controlled Model<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Executive \u2192 Political\/Administrative Selection \u2192 Appointment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-my-ijmis-model\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"My_IJMIS_Model\"><\/span>My IJMIS Model<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Open Talent Discovery \u2192 Independent Evidence \u2192 Structured Assessment \u2192 Integrity Verification \u2192 Judicial-Majority Selection \u2192 Constitutional Appointment \u2192 Independent Audit<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That is the fundamental change I am proposing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-my-final-position\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"My_Final_Position\"><\/span>My Final Position<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I do not claim that the present collegium system produces bad judges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nor do I claim that every appointment made through the collegium is biased.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Such sweeping claims would require evidence, and I do not believe constitutional reform should be built upon allegations that cannot be demonstrated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">My argument is different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And I believe it is stronger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The constitutional judiciary is too important to depend upon any system whose comparative assessment of merit cannot be independently demonstrated.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">India needs a judicial-selection system in which:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Merit can be tested;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Candidates can come from outside traditional networks;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Integrity can be independently verified;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Conflicts can be disclosed;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Professional networks can be audited;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Government interference can be prevented;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Judicial independence can be protected;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Appointments can be made faster, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The system itself can learn from its mistakes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That is what I have attempted to build through IJMIS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-my-final-proposal-to-india\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"My_Final_Proposal_to_India\"><\/span>My Final Proposal to India<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I would therefore <strong>not abolish the collegium tomorrow.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead, I propose ten practical steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-first\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"First\"><\/span>First<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Build the Judicial Merit Assessment Authority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-second\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Second\"><\/span>Second<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Create the National Judicial Talent Pool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-third\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Third\"><\/span>Third<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Introduce independent, structured and partially blind assessment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-fourth\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fourth\"><\/span>Fourth<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Separate integrity and conflict investigation from merit assessment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-fifth\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fifth\"><\/span>Fifth<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Create measurable indicators for selection concentration and missed talent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-sixth\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sixth\"><\/span>Sixth<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Run the new architecture alongside the existing constitutional mechanism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-seventh\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Seventh\"><\/span>Seventh<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Back-test it against historical appointments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-eighth\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Eighth\"><\/span>Eighth<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Conduct a controlled 18-month pilot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-ninth\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ninth\"><\/span>Ninth<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Publish the independent results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-tenth\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tenth\"><\/span>Tenth<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the evidence demonstrates that the new architecture produces a better, fairer and more reliable selection process, consider the constitutional amendment necessary to transform the collegium into a judicial selection council.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This approach gives India something that constitutional reform desperately needs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A safety valve.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We do not have to choose between preserving the present system forever and abolishing it overnight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We can test the alternative first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-the-reform-i-am-ultimately-seeking\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Reform_I_Am_Ultimately_Seeking\"><\/span>The Reform I Am Ultimately Seeking<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I am not seeking:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Government control of judges.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I am not seeking:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Political control of the judiciary.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I am not even seeking:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Judicial control simply for the sake of judicial control.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What I am seeking is something more fundamental:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A judiciary selected through the widest possible search for talent, the strongest possible examination of merit, the strictest possible scrutiny of integrity, and a constitutionally protected decision-making process free from political domination.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That, in my view, is the balance that a mature constitutional democracy should strive for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-my-vision-for-india-s-judiciary\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"My_Vision_for_Indias_Judiciary\"><\/span>My Vision for India&#8217;s Judiciary<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">India is one of the world&#8217;s largest democracies and one of its most important constitutional jurisdictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We should therefore be capable of designing a judicial-selection system that is uniquely Indian.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We do not need to blindly copy Britain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We do not need to copy America.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We do not need to recreate NJAC exactly as it was.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We can learn from international experience while designing a system suited to India&#8217;s constitutional history, federal structure, enormous Bar, judicial traditions and commitment to judicial independence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Indian solution should combine:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Judicial Independence<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">with<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Professional Merit Assessment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">and<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Institutional Accountability.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That is the objective of my proposal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-if-i-had-to-reduce-my-proposal-to-three-principles\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"If_I_Had_to_Reduce_My_Proposal_to_Three_Principles\"><\/span>If I Had to Reduce My Proposal to Three Principles<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If I were asked to reduce this entire proposal to one principle, I would say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Let judges remain independent, but let the search for judges become independent.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If I were asked to reduce it to one institutional reform:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Separate candidate discovery and evidence-based merit assessment from final judicial selection.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And if I were asked to reduce it to one test:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Do not ask only whom the system selected. Ask whom the system overlooked.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That is how an appointment system learns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-conclusion-india-can-do-better-without-sacrificing-judicial-independence\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion_India_Can_Do_Better_Without_Sacrificing_Judicial_Independence\"><\/span>Conclusion: India Can Do Better Without Sacrificing Judicial Independence<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I believe India&#8217;s judicial appointment debate has been trapped for too long between two extremes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-collegium-versus-government\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Collegium_Versus_Government\"><\/span>Collegium Versus Government<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I propose that we move beyond that binary debate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The real objective should be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-independent-judiciary-genuine-merit-broad-talent-discovery-integrity-transparency-speed-accountability\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Independent_Judiciary_Genuine_Merit_Broad_Talent_Discovery_Integrity_Transparency_Speed_Accountability\"><\/span>Independent Judiciary + Genuine Merit + Broad Talent Discovery + Integrity + Transparency + Speed + Accountability<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That is why I place before the legal community, the judiciary, Parliament, the government, academics, members of the Bar and the citizens of India my proposal for the:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-indian-judicial-merit-amp-independence-system-ijmis\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Indian_Judicial_Merit_Independence_System_%E2%80%94_IJMIS\"><\/span>Indian Judicial Merit &amp; Independence System \u2014 IJMIS<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I do not present this as a claim that I have discovered a perfect system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No human institution can be perfect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I present it as something more useful:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A system that can be tested.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If it produces better results, improve it and expand it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If it fails, correct it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the evidence ultimately demonstrates that the existing system performs better, retain what works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But India should not have to choose between judicial independence and merit-based accountability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We should build a system capable of protecting both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That is the judicial reform I propose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-about-the-author\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"About_the_Author\"><\/span>About the Author<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"h-adv-tarun-choudhury\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Adv_Tarun_Choudhury\"><\/span>Adv. Tarun Choudhury<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Supreme Court Advocate | 25+ Years of Legal Experience<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This proposal is presented as a legal-policy intervention for public discussion and debate. It is not intended to undermine judicial independence but to explore whether India can develop a more open, evidence-based, accountable and institutionally resilient method of identifying and selecting judicial talent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-selected-research-basis\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Selected_Research_Basis\"><\/span>Selected Research Basis<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The proposal draws upon the constitutional and institutional framework surrounding judicial appointments, including Articles 124 and 217 of the Constitution, the Judges Cases, the 2015 NJAC litigation, developments concerning transparency in judicial appointments, and contemporary judicial-vacancy data. The source material notes the Supreme Court&#8217;s increased publication of appointment-related information and the Department of Justice vacancy figures used in this proposal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u00a9 Adv. Tarun Choudhury \u2014 Supreme Court Advocate | 25+ Years of Legal Experience<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-need-legal-guidance-or-a-second-opinion\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Need_Legal_Guidance_or_a_Second_Opinion\"><\/span>Need Legal Guidance or a Second Opinion?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"h-adv-tarun-choudhury-0\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Adv_Tarun_Choudhury-2\"><\/span>Adv. Tarun Choudhury<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Supreme Court Advocate | 25+ Years of Legal Experience<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether you need legal advice, strategic guidance, case assessment, or assistance with a complex legal matter, you can get in touch directly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\ud83d\udcde <strong>Call:<\/strong> 9891244487<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\ud83d\udcac <strong>WhatsApp:<\/strong> 9891244487<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Take the right legal step with experienced guidance.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-frequently-asked-questions-faqs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"h-1-what-is-the-indian-judicial-merit-amp-independence-system-ijmis\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_What_Is_the_Indian_Judicial_Merit_Independence_System_IJMIS\"><\/span>1. What Is the Indian Judicial Merit &amp; Independence System (IJMIS)?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Indian Judicial Merit &amp; Independence System (IJMIS) is a proposed judicial appointment reform model designed to combine judicial independence, merit-based judicial selection, transparent assessment, integrity verification and institutional accountability without giving political control over judicial appointments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"h-2-how-would-ijmis-replace-the-collegium-system-in-india\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_How_Would_IJMIS_Replace_the_Collegium_System_in_India\"><\/span>2. How Would IJMIS Replace the Collegium System in India?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The proposal does not recommend abolishing the Collegium System immediately. Instead, it proposes a phased transition beginning with an independent Judicial Merit Assessment Authority (JMAA), a National Judicial Talent Pool, structured merit assessment and a pilot programme. If the system proves successful, the existing Collegium could eventually be transformed into a constitutionally protected Judicial Selection Council.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"h-3-how-would-merit-be-assessed-for-appointment-as-a-high-court-or-supreme-court-judge\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_How_Would_Merit_Be_Assessed_for_Appointment_as_a_High_Court_or_Supreme_Court_Judge\"><\/span>3. How Would Merit Be Assessed for Appointment as a High Court or Supreme Court Judge?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The proposal rejects a simple marks-based judicial selection system. Instead, candidates would receive a judicial evidence profile examining legal excellence, judicial capacity, integrity, constitutional temperament and professional reputation. It also proposes structured assessments, partially name-blind evaluation and realistic judicial simulations to evaluate legal reasoning and judicial temperament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"h-4-how-will-the-proposed-judicial-selection-system-prevent-political-interference-and-favouritism\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_How_Will_the_Proposed_Judicial_Selection_System_Prevent_Political_Interference_and_Favouritism\"><\/span>4. How Will the Proposed Judicial Selection System Prevent Political Interference and Favouritism?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">IJMIS seeks to protect judicial independence by preventing the political executive from having unrestricted control over judicial appointments. At the same time, it proposes independent evidence collection, conflict-of-interest verification, professional-network analysis, a Selection Concentration Index (SCI) and reasoned decision-making to identify potential favouritism or excessive institutional concentration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"h-5-what-is-the-practical-solution-proposed-for-reforming-judicial-appointments-in-india\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_What_Is_the_Practical_Solution_Proposed_for_Reforming_Judicial_Appointments_in_India\"><\/span>5. What Is the Practical Solution Proposed for Reforming Judicial Appointments in India?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The proposal recommends a phased and evidence-based judicial appointment reform rather than immediate abolition of the Collegium. It proposes creating the Judicial Merit Assessment Authority, establishing a National Judicial Talent Pool, introducing independent and partially blind merit assessment, conducting a historical back-test, running an 18-month pilot programme, measuring its results and only then considering constitutional reform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-key-takeaways-proposed-reform-of-india-s-collegium-system\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%F0%9F%94%91_Key_Takeaways_Proposed_Reform_of_Indias_Collegium_System\"><\/span>\ud83d\udd11 Key Takeaways: Proposed Reform of India\u2019s Collegium System<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>IJMIS proposes a new approach to judicial appointments in India<\/strong> by combining judicial independence, merit-based selection, transparency, integrity verification and institutional accountability.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The proposal does not advocate immediate abolition of the Collegium System.<\/strong> Instead, it recommends a phased transition, beginning with an independent merit-assessment mechanism and testing the model before any constitutional change.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Judicial talent should be discovered from a much wider pool.<\/strong> The proposed National Judicial Talent Pool would identify suitable candidates from the judicial service, independent bar, legal academia, recognised institutions and judicial recommendations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Merit should not be reduced to a single numerical score.<\/strong> IJMIS proposes a judicial evidence profile covering legal excellence, judicial capacity, integrity, constitutional temperament and professional reputation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Integrity would be a threshold requirement rather than a compensating score.<\/strong> Exceptional legal ability should not outweigh serious unresolved integrity concerns.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Partially name-blind assessment could reduce professional-network bias.<\/strong> The proposal suggests that candidates should initially be assessed, wherever practical, on anonymised professional work rather than fame, family connections or institutional reputation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Judicial simulations could test real-world judicial reasoning.<\/strong> Shortlisted candidates could be assessed through difficult legal problems requiring judgements, counterarguments and oral submissions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The proposal introduces the \u201cThree-Evidence Rule&#8221;.<\/strong> A candidate should have an actual professional record, independent assessment and independent integrity\/professional verification before reaching final selection.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>IJMIS seeks to detect favouritism without automatically labelling it as nepotism.<\/strong> The proposed Selection Concentration Index (SCI) would identify excessive concentration of appointments around particular chambers, institutions, professional networks or other connections.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The \u201cMissed Talent Index\u201d asks an important new question: \u201cWhom did the system overlook?\u201d<\/strong> The proposal recommends tracking narrowly unsuccessful candidates to determine whether the selection methodology repeatedly misses exceptional legal talent.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The government should not have unrestricted political control over judicial appointments.<\/strong> Government objections should be specific, evidence-based, legally relevant and documented, while the final constitutional assessment should remain protected from political domination.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Judicial vacancies require a proactive solution.<\/strong> The proposed Rolling Judicial Talent Pool would classify candidates as &#8220;Ready&#8221;, \u201cNear Ready\u201d and \u201cEmerging\u201d so that the system can prepare for predictable vacancies rather than beginning the search only after a vacancy arises.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The proposal recommends an 18-month pilot before constitutional transformation.<\/strong> The system should first be tested in two High Courts, subjected to independent evaluation and compared against historical appointments.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The ultimate objective is not simply to replace the Collegium.<\/strong> The deeper objective is to create a judicial appointment system where the search for judicial talent is broad and independent, merit is evidence-based, integrity is rigorously examined, political interference is restricted, and judicial independence remains constitutionally protected.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-summary\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Summary\"><\/span>Summary<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">IJMIS proposes a phased reform of India\u2019s Collegium System through independent judicial talent discovery, evidence-based merit assessment, integrity verification, conflict checks, anti-favouritism audits and a judicial-majority selection mechanism\u2014while protecting judicial independence from political control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-related-links yoast-seo-related-links\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/from-collegium-to-commission-learning-from-the-uk-and-us-models-of-judicial-appointments\/\">From Collegium to Commission: Learning from the UK and US Models of Judicial Appointments<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/collegium-system-for-appointment-of-judges-is-against-equality\/\">Collegium System For Appointment Of Judges Is Against Equality<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/doctrine-of-separation-of-powers\/\">Doctrine Of Separation Of Powers<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/supreme-courts-unprecedented-bench-without-cji-to-hear-election-commissioner-appointment-challenge\/\">Supreme Court\u2019s Unprecedented Bench Without CJI to Hear Election Commissioner Appointment Challenge<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/supreme-court-fir-quashing-on-merits-section-482-crpc\/\">Supreme Court: High Courts Must Decide FIR Quashing Petitions on Merits, Not Avoid Adjudication<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Beyond the Collegium: My Proposal for a Merit-Based Judicial Selection System for India &#8220;Let judges remain independent\u2014but let the search for judges be independent of networks, fame and familiarity.\u201d&#8211; &#8211; By Adv. Tarun Choudhury &#8211; Supreme Court Advocate A Proposal From a Lawyer Who Has Watched the System Closely For more than twenty-five years, I<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":50,"featured_media":30919,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"two_page_speed":[],"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"_joinchat":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[5602],"tags":[5483,24,5160,28],"class_list":["post-30918","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-judiciary","tag-judiciary","tag-just-in","tag-picks","tag-top-news"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.2 (Yoast SEO v28.3) - 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