Significance of MOP

♤ It seeks to introduce performance appraisal as a standard for appointing chief justices of high courts and Supreme Court judges.

♤ It proposes that for appointment of judges in the Supreme Court, the “prime criteria” should be “seniority as chief justice/ judge of the high court”.

♤ The MoP states that up to three judges in the Supreme Court need to be appointed from among the eminent members of the Bar and distinguished jurists with proven track record in their respective fields.

♤ The Union Law Minister should seek the recommendation of the incumbent CJI for appointment of his successor at least one month prior to his retirement.

♤ A notice for vacancies of judges should be put up on the website of the high courts at the

beginning of the year for appointments.

♤ National security and public interest have been included as the new ground of objection to appoint a candidate as a judge. If the government has objections on the ground of national security and public interest, it will convey the same to the collegium. The collegium will then take a final call.

3.1.2.4. SC Collegium Proceedings in Public Domain: