CJI unruffled by criticism on judges' appointment procedure

New Delhi (PTI): Facing criticism of the system of appointment of judges for the Supreme Court and High Courts, Chief Justice of India K G Balakrishnan on Thursday said the procedure was the outcome of a judgement of the Constitution Bench of the apex court. He said that the collegium which consists of three senior-most judges of the apex court only abides by the decision of the Supreme Court. "We are following Supreme Court order on the procedure for appointment of judges. So long it is there we will follow the procedure," the CJI said in an interaction with the legal correspondents of apex court. "I am bound by the decision of the Supreme Court till a change is brought by the legislatures," he said. He was responding to the reported statement of Law Minister H R Bhardwaj, who was of the view that there was a need for a re-look at the collegium system, for appointment of judges, which he claimed has failed. Justice Balakrishnan said even in the present system of appointment of judges government has some say. "Previously government had more say. Even now they can have say subject to the satisfaction of the CJI," he said refrained from giving his personal view. The CJI conceded that there were some difficulties and mistakes in the appointment of judges and corrective measures were taken to streamline the process. "There are some difficulties and mistakes. I tried to correct and streamline the process," he said and elaborated that help of Bar Councils are also taken to find out whether any cases are pending against the advocates likely to be appointed as judges.

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