On February 3, an apex court bench led by Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul gave a word of caution to the Centre saying that things would get "uncomfortable" if the government continues to delay judicial appointments and transfers.
The Central Government's clearance of the five recommendations made by the Supreme Court collegium for appointment as Judges of the apex court must put to rest apprehensions about an escalating conflict between the Executive and Judiciary on the issue of judicial appointments.
The Centre on Saturday cleared the appointments of five new Judges. The Supreme Court collegium had recommended their names in December for elevation from High Courts to the Apex court. After the new appointments, the working strength of the Supreme Court increased to 32.
The Supreme Court on Friday expressed its concern on the issue of keeping the list of the transfers of judges of the high courts pending with the Centre and warned that delay in transfers might lead to administrative actions which may not be palatable.
Rijiju also informed the Parliament that as on January 30, against the sanctioned strength of 1108 judges in various High Courts,775 judges are working and 333 posts of Judges are vacant in the High Courts.
The Supreme Court Collegium on Tuesday recommended Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court Rajesh Bindal and Gujarat High Court Chief Justice Aravind Kumar for elevation as Judges of the top court.
This comes after Kiren Rijiju criticized the SC's collegium system of seeking RAW and IB inputs on the appointment of judges in the High Courts, calling it a "matter of serious concern".
The minister's remarks have come at a time when the government and the judiciary have differences over the process of appointment of judges to the higher judiciary.
While addressing a press conference on the awards for eCourts Projects, Kiren Rijiju expressed happiness regarding the good work done by the Department of Justice and the impact it has in dispensing justice to the people.
The minister's remarks came at a time when the government and the judiciary have differences over the process of appointment of judges to the higher judiciary.
"After becoming judges, they do not have to face elections. People are watching the judges. People make assessments of judgment and the way they deliver justice. In the era of social media, nothing can be hidden. Judges also face public scrutiny and criticism on daily basis," said Union L