New Delhi, April 1 – MP Raghav Chadha, speaking in the Rajya Sabha, called for urgent judicial reforms, stressing the need for transparency in the collegium system and restrictions on post-retirement appointments of judges.
Chadha noted public trust in the judiciary as a “temple of justice” but warned that recent events have raised concerns. “Justice may be delayed, but injustice must not prevail,” he said, urging reforms that strengthen the judiciary rather than weaken it.
Chadha criticized the collegium system for lacking transparency, citing past Law Commission reports and legal experts.
He recalled the push for the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) and urged the judiciary to adopt self-reforms.
“The process must be independent and transparent, ensuring appointments based on seniority, merit, and integrity,” he stated, proposing a structured, point-based system similar to the one used for designating senior advocates.
Chadha also raised concerns over retired judges accepting government positions, calling it a conflict of interest that could compromise judicial independence.
He cited Article 148 of the Constitution, which bars the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) from taking up government roles post-retirement, and suggested a similar restriction for judges.
“If a complete ban is not feasible, a mandatory two-year cooling-off period should be enforced,” he said.
Chadha concluded by stating that these reforms would be a historic milestone in India’s judicial system.
“People see courts as temples of justice and judges as embodiments of fairness. Strengthening this trust is our duty,” he added.
