Justice Ujjal Bhuyan has raised concerns about the lack of distinguished jurists appointed to the Supreme Court, noting that the relevant constitutional provision has been unused for 76 years.
Justice Ujjal Bhuyan Calls for Debate on Distinguished Jurist Appointments
During his recent convocation speech at the National Law University Delhi, Supreme Court Justice Ujjal Bhuyan questioned why no 'distinguished jurist' has been appointed to the Supreme Court in the past 76 years. He emphasized the need for a renewed discussion on the constitutional provision allowing such appointments, which remains dormant since the Constitution's adoption.
Article 124(3) of the Constitution provides for the appointment of individuals who possess significant legal expertise as judges of the Supreme Court, a provision that has seen no implementation since India’s independence. The Justice’s remarks invite reflection on the criteria for judicial appointments and the potential benefits of integrating diverse legal perspectives into the highest court.
This discussion is timely as the legal community continues to grapple with issues of representation and the evolving role of the judiciary in a democratic society. Practitioners may find this dialogue relevant as it could influence future policy considerations on judicial appointments.
With the call for featuring distinguished jurists, Justice Bhuyan advocates for an expansion of the judiciary’s composition that could enhance its function and promote greater public trust in the judicial system.
