Collegium system suitable, Fixed term for CJI, CJ not ok: CJI R M Lodha

NEW DELHI: The new Chief Justice of India, R M Lodha, today said he did not agree with the idea of having fixed tenure for chief justices of high courts and the CJI and favoured continuing with the collegium system for appointment of judges in higher judiciary.

Justice Lodha, who took over as 41st CJI, however, advocated wider consultation with people outside collegium "without tinkering" with the memorandum of procedure prescribed by Law Ministry in appointment of judges.

He differed with his predecessor Justice P Sathasivam who had said that there should be two-year fixed tenure for CJI and chief justices of high courts.

"My view will be little different on the issue. This institution works on discipline. The fixed tenure is bound to affect the next member. If there is a fixed tenure of CJI then the legitimate expectations of other judges would be taken away. Average tenure of Supreme Court judges is less than four years then how do you expect fixed tenure of two years for the CJI," Lodha said while interacting with reporters.

He said that judicial institutions would run smoothly if good people with impeccable character are appointed judges and this would be his "top priority" along with bringing more transparency within the judicial system.

"My first priority would be to appoint judges in high courts and the Supreme Court. My mantra is appoint good judges and rest will follow on its own. If we have good judges then we would have entire new complexion of judiciary in the next 7 or 8 years down the line.

"I am bringing more transparency and wider consultation in appointment of judges. Consultations to be done with 2-3 judges outside the collegium and with 2-3 lawyers of impeccable integrity," he said.