Justice Aniruddha Bose joins SC collegium: Following the retirement of Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul on December 25, the second most senior judge of the Supreme Court, Justice Aniruddha Bose, has been officially inducted into the prestigious five-judge Supreme Court Collegium. The Collegium is responsible for recommending individuals for elevation to the Supreme Court and the transfer of judges within the High Courts.New Leadership in the CollegiumThe restructured Supreme Court Collegium, now composed of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, and Justices Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai, Surya Kant, and Justice Aniruddha Bose, signifies a robust assembly of legal luminaries. Justice Bose is set to serve in the collegium until April 10, 2024.Dynamic Changes Post Justice Kauls RetirementWith Justice Kauls departure, a new trio of CJI, Justice Khanna, and Justice Gavai, takes charge of the three-judge collegium responsible for suggesting names for High Court judge appointments. The reshuffling aims to maintain the efficiency and integrity of the judicial process.Justice Kauls Legacy of Judicial IntegrityJustice Kaul, during his tenure, emphasized the importance of preserving judicial seniority and discouraged any attempts by the government to interfere selectively in the appointment and transfer of High Court judges. He was vocal about the need to prevent politicisation and maintain the autonomy of the judiciary.A Stand Against Pick-and-Choose PoliciesExpressing concern over the governments pick-and-choose policy, especially in the appointment and transfers of High Court judges, Justice Kaul asserted the potential consequences of such practices. He warned against bypassing Collegium recommendations for political reasons or in response to legal disputes involving the government.
