The quote emphasizes the importance of having a dedicated group of professionals responsible for selecting judges within the higher judiciary each year. It highlights that such a selection process requires significant time and attention to ensure fairness and rationality, which an ex-officio body composed of sitting judges and government officials cannot provide due to their existing commitments.
Beyond its surface meaning, this statement underscores broader issues related to judicial independence and the need for impartial oversight in governance structures. The quote suggests that mixing administrative duties with judicial responsibilities can compromise the integrity of judicial appointments. By advocating for a specialized committee tasked solely with judge selection, Prashant Bhushan emphasizes the necessity of safeguarding the judiciary's autonomy from political influence. This perspective is crucial in ensuring that judges are appointed based on merit and without external pressures.
Prashant Bhushan is an Indian lawyer, human rights activist, and environmentalist known for his significant contributions to legal reforms and public interest litigation in India. His insights often focus on issues related to judicial transparency and the independence of the judiciary, reflecting a deep commitment to upholding democratic principles and the rule of law.
