Govt crosses one step to scrap collegium system

A landmark bill to overturn the collegium system was today a step short of becoming the law with the lok Sabha approving it amid government's assertion that the measure was aimed at ensuring that only meritorious people are selected as judges to the higher courts.

The National Judicial Appointments Commission Bill, 2014 was passed by voice vote along with one official amendment. Along with it, the 99th Constitution Amendment Bill, which will give Constitutional status to the proposed Commission, was passed by 367 in favour and nil against.

Replying to the debate on the bills, law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the proposed law does not impact upon the independence of the judiciary.

He said the new law will provide for wider consultations for appointment of judges to the Supreme Court and High Courts.

"We are for maintaining the sanctity of the judiciary... We have said this House respects independence of judiciary. That should be assuring," he said, allaying apprehensions that new law would curb the independence of judiciary.

Seeking support of all parties, he said, "let the message go that this House is one for maintaining dignity of the judiciary."

Suggesting that the existing collegium system of judges appointing judges had flaws, the Minister said many good judges could not make to the Supreme Court.

Under the new law where a Commission will decide appointment of judges to Supreme Court and High Courts, seniority along with "ability" and "merit" will be considered for elevation, Prasad said.