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8
Articles
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Momentum
21
It is a cornerstone of judicial independence, a frequently debated topic concerning transparency, accountability, and the separation of powers, directly impacting the functioning of the judiciary.
The Collegium System is the established mechanism for the appointment and transfer of judges to the Supreme Court and High Courts in India. It evolved through a series of Supreme Court judgments, defining the consultative process involving senior judges.
Composition
Headed by the Chief Justice of India, comprising senior-most judges of the Supreme Court (for SC appointments) or SC judges + HC Chief Justice (for HC appointments).
Process
Recommendations are made by the Collegium and sent to the President for formal appointment.
Evolution
Evolved from the 'Three Judges Cases' (S.P. Gupta v. Union of India, Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association v. Union of India, In re Special Reference 1 of 1998).
Scope
Covers appointments and transfers of judges to the Supreme Court and High Courts.
Static syllabus anchors
| Type | Reference |
|---|---|
| Conceptual area | Indian Polity & Governance |
Institutions & roles
| Body | Role |
|---|---|
| Supreme Court Collegium | Recommends |
| President of India | Appoints |
Prelims angle: Statement-based questions
Prelims angle: Conceptual understanding
Constitutional vs statutory — The Collegium System is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution but evolved through judicial pronouncements, making it a judicial innovation rather than a statutory body or a direct constitutional provision.
Check if created by Constitution or by Parliament.
With reference to the Constitution of India, consider the following statements: 1. No High Court shall have the jurisdiction to declare any central law to ...
Consider the following statements : 1. The motion to impeach a Judge of the Supreme Court of India cannot be rejected by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha as per ...
With reference to the Constitution of India, consider the following statements: 1. No High Court shall have the jurisdiction to declare any central law to ...
Consider the following statements : 1. The motion to impeach a Judge of the Supreme Court of India cannot be rejected by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha as per ...
With reference to the Constitution of India, consider the following statements: 1. No High Court shall have the jurisdiction to declare any central law to ...
Open questionConsider the following statements : 1. The motion to impeach a Judge of the Supreme Court of India cannot be rejected by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha as per ...
Open questionWith reference to the Constitution of India, consider the following statements: 1. No High Court shall have the jurisdiction to declare any central law to ...
Open questionConsider the following statements : 1. The motion to impeach a Judge of the Supreme Court of India cannot be rejected by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha as per ...
Open questionAfter Supreme Court judge’s letters, Collegium recommends new Chief Justice for Rajasthan HC
01 Sep 2026 · The Collegium System is the judicial mechanism for appointing and transferring judges to higher courts, crucial for judicial independence but often criticized for its lack of transparency and accountability.
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Judicial Appointments and Transfers (Collegium System)
UPSC has asked 8 linked questions on Judicial Appointments and Transfers (Collegium System) in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.
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