According to the Memorandum of Procedure, the Law Minister seeks recommendation from the outgoing CJI to nominate his successor…reports Asian Lite News
Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana, who is set to demit office on August 26 on superannuation, on Wednesday received a communication from the Law and Justice Minister to nominate his successor.
A communication from the apex court said: “Today (03.08.2022) at 2130 hrs, the Secretariat of the Chief Justice of India has received a communication dated 03.08.2022 from the Minister of Law and Justice requesting the CJI to recommend the name of his successor.”
Justice U.U. Lalit, who is the seniormost judge in the Supreme Court, is in line to become the next Chief Justice of India. Appointed to the apex top court directly from the Bar, he would be having a short tenure of less than three months, as the Chief Justice of India as he is set retire on November 8.
According to the Memorandum of Procedure, the Law Minister seeks recommendation from the outgoing CJI to nominate his successor. Usually, the recommendation is sought within a month of the retirement of incumbent Chief Justice of India.
‘Discuss, debate & decide’
CJI Ramana had earlier said the judiciary needs to flag issues which hinder its functioning and there is no meaning in camouflaging or hiding the problems, and also if matters of pressing concern are not addressed, then the system will cripple.
The CJI made the remarks while speaking at the All India District Legal Services Authorities Meet, which had Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the chief guest.
“Wherever I go, I always attempt to project the achievements of the Indian judiciary in winning the trust and faith of the people. But if we intend to serve the people better, we need to flag the issues which hinder our functioning. There is no meaning in camouflaging or hiding the problems,” he said.
“If we don’t discuss these issues, if matters of pressing concern are not addressed, then the system will cripple. I fear, we may be unable to fulfil our constitutional mandate of social justice. I urge you therefore, to discuss, debate and decide! This is the principle I have been following all through”.
The Chief Justice said the reality is that, today, only a small percentage of population can approach the justice delivery system, when in need and majority of the people suffer in silence, lacking awareness and necessary means.
“Modern India was built around the goal of removing the disparities in the society. Project democracy is about providing a space for participation of all. Participation will not be possible without social emancipation. Access to Justice is a tool for social emancipation.”
CJI Ramana pointed out that the district judiciary is the backbone of the justice delivery system in the world’s largest democracy and public opinion about the judiciary is primarily based on their experiences with the district judiciary. “This casts a great responsibility on your shoulders. You must undertake multifaceted tasks and roles. You are best placed to understand people’s problems and social issuesa..Strengthening the district judiciary is the need of the hour.”