​Which Supreme Court case established the 'Collegium system' for judicial appointments in India?

Correct option is C

The correct answer is: (c) The Second Judges Case (1993)

Explanation:

• The Second Judges Case (1993), formally known as Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association vs. Union of India, established the Collegium system for the appointment of judges to the Supreme Court and High Courts in India.

• This system gave the judiciary primacy in the selection of judges, effectively reducing the influence of the executive in judicial appointments.

• The Collegium system comprises the Chief Justice of India (CJI) and a group of senior most judges who collectively recommend judicial appointments and transfers.

Information Booster:

• The Collegium system was later modified by the Third Judges Case (1998) to expand the number of judges in the Collegium.

• Prior to the Collegium system, the executive (Government) had significant control over judicial appointments.

• The Collegium system was challenged by the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC), but was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2015.

• The system ensures that the judiciary remains independent of executive influence.

Additional Information:

• Minerva Mills vs. Union of India: In this case, the Supreme Court dealt with the Basic Structure Doctrine.

• SR Bommai vs. Union of India: This case addressed the issue of Presidential power and the imposition of President's Rule under Article 356.

• Kesavananda Bharati vs. State of Kerala: This landmark case is known for the establishment of the Basic Structure Doctrine of the Indian Constitution.