New Delhi, November 7: The Apex Court, on Thursday, called for public opinion in an attempt to improve the collegium system of judicial appointment.
The Constitution Bench hearing the case came to this decision after lawyers from different parts of the country created a mini melee inside the Court demanding that everybody should be heard and “each and every opinion” should be considered.
The Court declared that all those who desire to make suggestions may do so directly, on the website of Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice, New Delhi. The suggestions received within 5pm on November 13 will be entertained. Suggestions are to be made in the following four categories:
- Transparency
- Collegium Secretariat
- Eligibility criteria
- Complaints
The Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice, New Delhi is also directed to forward all those suggestions they received before the aforementioned date, to the concerned counsel for compilation. The matter is listed for a two-day hearing commencing on 18th of November. The Court also said that it will hear only those counsel who are shortlisted by a committee comprising of the Attorney General, Bar Council of India Chairman and Senior Advocate Fali S. Nariman.
The top court also accepted the view of Bar Council of India that the apex lawyers’ body be allowed to hold a meeting with all state bar associations and advocates’ bodies from across the nation for compilation of various suggestions.
The Department of Justice portal has openly invited public opinion through a Public Notice. Suggestions are to mailed to [email protected] or [email protected]
“…he (Attorney General) may web-host the compilation and issue a public notice. Likewise, all those who desire to make suggestions may do so directly, on the website of the Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice, New Delhi,” the Bench, comprising Justices JS Khehar, J Chelameswar, MB Lokur, Kurian Joseph and AK Goel, was quoted as saying while posting the matter for hearing on November 18 and 19.
To view the Public Notice issued by the the Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice, New Delhi, Click HERE