December 8, 2022
Saugata Roy raised during Zero Hour the issue of the attempts being made by the Union Government to run down the independence of the judiciary
Sir, I have already changed my subject, and I have already given notice for it. Sir, as you know the 99th Constitution Amendment striking down the National Judicial Appointment Commission, which was passed by this House was struck down by the Supreme Court as a result of which the collegium system of appointing Judges continues. Recently, our Law Minister has been snipping at the Supreme Court and
at the collegium system. We did not take him seriously because he is a talkative Minister, Mr. Kiren Rijiju. But now a person in high office, who cannot be criticised except by a substantive motion, has come out to criticise the striking down of the NJAC. The Government is trying to extend its power everywhere, including into the Judiciary. It is not finding the Judiciary pliable. That is why, it is using a high
dignitary to run down the Collegium system. At this point of time, our party believes that the Collegium system should continue, not that it is perfect. But the Collegium system of the Supreme Court is actually a bigger guarantee against the tyranny of the power by the Central Government. I oppose the comments made by the high authority and also by the Law Minister against the Supreme Court, and the Collegium system. We will oppose all efforts to run down the independence of the Judiciary, which is one of thepillars of the Constitution, which this Government is trying to bring down. … (Interruptions)
