In a historic move, for the first time in nearly three decades, the Supreme Court Collegium ventured outside Delhi to interview candidates for judicial positions. The unprecedented meetings took place in Visakhapatnam, where candidates recommended by the Collegiums of the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana High Courts were evaluated.
This initiative marks a significant shift from traditional practices. Previously, the Supreme Court, following procedures established in the 1990s aimed at preserving judicial independence from executive influence, relied on recommendations from High Court Collegiums. These involved assessments based on biodata, intelligence reports, and inputs from governors and chief ministers.
The latest approach took a more personal turn with Chief Justice of India Sanjeev Khanna, along with Justices BR Gavai and Suryakant, leading the sessions. Over 20 judges, along with their families, traveled to Visakhapatnam—a bustling city in Andhra Pradesh—for these assessments. The decision to meet candidates in Visakhapatnam was seen as a practical move to save candidates’ time and expenses.
Personal interviews were held at the hotel where the Supreme Court judges were staying, beginning on December 22. This new method is aimed at gaining deeper insights into the candidates’ capabilities, personalities, and suitability for the role of constitutional judges.
Engaging directly with candidates marks a transformative step for the Supreme Court Collegium, offering a more nuanced understanding of potential judges’ demeanor and suitability for the bench. This initiative is not only a logistical convenience but also a strategic enhancement of the judicial appointment process, ensuring a more robust and transparent selection mechanism.
