Supreme Court Judges of India: Role, Appointment & Powers
📌 Introduction
The Supreme Court of India is the highest judicial authority in the country. It ensures the protection of fundamental rights, interprets the Constitution, and acts as the final appellate court. The judges of the Supreme Court hold immense power and responsibility in delivering justice and upholding the rule of law.
⚖ Composition of the Supreme Court
- Chief Justice of India (CJI) – The head of the Indian judiciary.
- Other Supreme Court Judges – Maximum 34 judges, including the CJI.
📌 Fact: The number of Supreme Court judges was originally 8 in 1950 but has increased over time to 34.
📜 Appointment of Supreme Court Judges
Who Appoints Supreme Court Judges?
- The President of India appoints Supreme Court judges based on the recommendation of the Collegium System.
Eligibility Criteria
To become a Supreme Court judge, a person must:
✔ Be an Indian citizen.
✔ Have at least 5 years of experience as a High Court judge OR
✔ Have 10 years of experience as an advocate in the High Court OR
✔ Be a distinguished jurist (rarely used criteria).
The Collegium System
- The Collegium System consists of the Chief Justice of India and four senior-most Supreme Court judges.
- The President appoints judges based on the Collegium's recommendation.
- The Government can ask for reconsideration, but if the Collegium repeats its recommendation, the President must accept it.
📌 Fact: The Collegium System is not mentioned in the Constitution but evolved through judicial decisions.
⚖ Powers & Functions of Supreme Court Judges
1️⃣ Guardian of the Constitution
- Interprets the Constitution of India and can strike down unconstitutional laws.
2️⃣ Final Court of Appeal
- Hears appeals from High Courts, Tribunals, and lower courts.
- Landmark cases: Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973), Maneka Gandhi Case (1978), Sabarimala Case (2018).
3️⃣ Writ Jurisdiction (Article 32)
- Issues writs to protect Fundamental Rights.
- Writs include Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari, and Quo Warranto.
4️⃣ Judicial Review
- Has the power to review laws and government actions.
- Ensures they are in line with the Constitution.
5️⃣ Advisory Role (Article 143)
- The President of India can seek the Supreme Court’s opinion on constitutional matters.
📌 Fact: The Supreme Court is known as the "Guardian of the Constitution" because of its judicial review powers.
⚖ Tenure & Removal of Supreme Court Judges
Tenure
- Judges hold office until they attain the age of 65 years.
- No fixed term, but retirement is mandatory at 65.
Removal Process (Impeachment)
- A Supreme Court judge can be removed for "proved misbehavior or incapacity."
- Requires approval by both Houses of Parliament with a two-thirds majority.
- Only one judge, Justice V. Ramaswami (1993), faced impeachment proceedings, but he was not removed.
📌 Fact: No Supreme Court judge has been removed from office in India so far.
🏛 Famous Supreme Court Judges of India
| Judge | Notable Contributions |
|---|---|
| Justice B. R. Gavai | First SC judge from Scheduled Caste community. |
| Justice D. Y. Chandrachud | Known for progressive judgments on privacy and LGBTQ+ rights. |
| Justice Indu Malhotra | First woman lawyer to be appointed as an SC judge directly. |
| Justice R. F. Nariman | Key judgments on freedom of speech & religious rights. |
| Justice P. N. Bhagwati | Introduced Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in India. |
📌 Fact: Justice Fathima Beevi was the first female Supreme Court judge of India (appointed in 1989).
📢 Conclusion
Supreme Court judges play a crucial role in maintaining justice, interpreting laws, and protecting fundamental rights. Their decisions shape legal and social frameworks in India. With the highest level of judicial power, they ensure that democracy functions within the constitutional framework.
📢 What are your thoughts on the Supreme Court’s role in India? Let us know in the comments! ⬇⚖
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