Context
Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai clarified that the Supreme Court Collegium cannot dictate names to High Court Collegiums for judicial appointments.
This statement comes amid 345 vacancies in High Courts as of August 1, 2025.
Key Points
Judicial Federalism:
• The Supreme Court & High Courts are neither superior nor inferior to each other.
• In a federal judiciary, both stand on equal footing.
Role of HC Collegiums:
• High Court Collegiums take the first call on recommending judges.
• The SC Collegium can only recommend names, not impose them.
Current Situation:
• Total judicial strength sanctioned: 1,122
• Judges in position: 777 (across 25 High Courts).
• Since Nov 2022, 29 recommendations of the SC Collegium are still pending with the Centre.
Significance
Reinforces the principle of judicial federalism.
Addresses the balance of power between SC and HCs in judicial appointments.
Highlights the need to fill a large number of judicial vacancies for efficiency in justice delivery.
Bottom Line:
The CJI’s remarks underline that judicial appointments must respect the federal balance between the Supreme Court & High Courts—Collegiums can recommend, but not dictate.
