The Economic Times

Judges appointing judges is a myth: Justice Datta says judiciary has been relegated to playing second fiddle to executive

Supreme Court judge Justice Dipankar Datta has called the description of Indias judicial appointments system as judges appoint judges a myth, highlighting the executives role in processing and selectively clearing Collegium recommendations. In his separate opinion in the Supreme Courts split verdict on the law governing election commissioner appointments, Justice Datta said executive supremacy cannot replace judicial independence and stressed the need for institutional checks and balances in judicial appointments.