NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court of India on Monday concluded hearings on a significant petition filed by Justice Yashwant Varma of the Delhi High Court, reserving its judgment for a later date. The case, which has drawn considerable attention from legal circles, centers on crucial issues pertaining to judicial independence and administrative decisions.
Justice Varma, a sitting judge of the Delhi High Court, approached the apex court challenging certain administrative orders that he believes undermine the autonomy of the judiciary. During the proceedings, a bench comprising senior judges meticulously examined the arguments presented by both sides. The petition highlights concerns over transfer policies and collegium recommendations, raising broader questions about the balance of power within India’s judicial framework.
Senior advocates representing Justice Varma argued passionately that the impugned decisions reflect an overreach by executive influences into judicial appointments and postings. They emphasized the need to safeguard the judiciary from external pressures to maintain public trust in the institution. Counterarguments from the Union government stressed the necessity of administrative efficiency and uniformity in judicial deployments across high courts.
The bench, after an extensive oral hearing spanning multiple sessions, delved into precedents and constitutional provisions. Justices repeatedly underscored the paramount importance of judicial independence as enshrined in the Constitution.