Judicial Appointments Bill in Parliament likely next week

NEW DELHI: Government is considering bringing the Judicial Appointments Bill in Parliament next week after consultations within the party.

According to sources, the government is initiating discussions within to bring the new bill for appointments in the judiciary to help bring transparency in the process of judicial appointments.

The issue gained momentum after several top jurists pushed for scrapping of the existing collegium system under which judges appoint judges.

"Government has started discussions within on bringing a new bill for judicial appointments. Once the discussions are complete, the bill may come in the Cabinet and then in Parliament next week," top sources in the government told PTI.

Government's hands are full on the legislative agenda before Parliament this week as it has taken up the Insurance Bill and the SEBI Bill after taking up the Budget provisions.

At a meeting to discuss judicial reforms yesterday, a "predominant" view emerged that the collegium system needs to be "changed".

Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has already said there is a consensus for improvement and the need for making the appointment of judges more transparent.

The government is also having a rethink on the Judicial Standards and Accountability Bill in view of objections from judges.

The Bill, pending in Parliament, seeks to lay down enforceable standards of conduct for judges.

The Bill also requires judges to declare details of their and their family members' assets and liabilities. It also creates mechanisms to allow any person to complain against judges on grounds of misbehaviour or incapacity.