The CJI has cleared the impression that “judges appoint judges in India” and said the selection process is very democratic. Nonetheless, the executive has often tried to interfere without much success.
The CJI’s tenure has seen many firsts appointments to courts, more women judges and elevation of lawyers. His boldness in promoting the rule of law should also be seen in expediting adjudication of cases.
Only nine lawyers have become judges since the establishment of the Supreme Court. The practice to appoint lawyers as judges to the top court provides distinguished lawyers an opportunity to serve on the apex bench that decides the legal destiny of the people.
It is so paradoxical that the Supreme Court which always tries to keep a check over every other organ/institution/body under the Constitution has been questioned for failing to apply the same discipline to its own administrative decisions.