Justice Bhuyan seeks more transparency in collegium system

New Delhi: Supreme Court judge Justice Ujjal Bhuyan on Saturday called for greater transparency in the collegium system, saying the failure to disclose reasons for judicial appointments does a disservice to deserving judges and is against the public interest. Speaking at the launch of a report by legal think-tank Vidhi's JALDI initiative, Justice Bhuyan said withholding reasons not only undermines transparency but also creates space for undesirable candidates to enter the judiciary who then make unconstitutional remarks like describing groups of people as "ants".

He said the SC collegium's last three resolutions recommending judges for elevation contained no reasons.

"By not giving reasons, the institution actually does a disservice to many judges who are genuinely outstanding and have done tremendous work...Conversely, by withholding reasons, we also create space for individuals to enter the judiciary who may later describe groups of people as 'ants'," he said.


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To prevent such appointments, "there should be some discussion, there should be some reasons given", he added, referring to remarks recently made by a high court judge.

Though Justice Bhuyan did not name the judge, a former Allahabad High Court judge had sparked controversy over remarks made at a Vishva Hindu Parishad event in 2024, drawing criticism from opposition leaders, who termed them "hate speech" and sought action against him.

"In our country, we are taught not to harm even the smallest animals, not to kill ants, and this lesson is ingrained in us. Perhaps that is why we are tolerant and compassionate; we feel pain when others suffer. But in your culture, from a young age, children are exposed to the slaughter of animals. How can you expect them to be tolerant and compassionate?" the HC judge had said.