India’s Supreme Court on Friday rejected a new law that gives the government greater say in appointing judges.
The court described the law as “unconstitutional,” saying it paved the way for the creation of National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) comprising judges and senior politicians.
The court held that the NJAC Bill interferes with the independence of the judiciary.
Speaking on the development, Attorney General Mukul Rohtagi said the ruling meant that the current system of selecting judges by a collegium – a group of five senior judges – would continue.
Friday’s decision could set up a confrontation between the executive and judiciary, as India’s parliament last year passed the law with near unanimity.
Members of parliament argued that the collegium system was neither transparent nor accountable. (dpa/NAN)
