Political Turmoil Erupts Over Justice Kaul's Revelations on Judicial Appointments

Former Supreme Court Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul's revelations regarding the judicial appointment process during D.Y. Chandrachud's tenure have stirred significant political controversy in India. His claims about informal discussions with the government prior to collegium meetings have raised serious questions about judicial independence. Opposition parties have reacted strongly, criticizing the Modi government's influence over the judiciary. This situation has reignited debates about the transparency of judicial appointments and the relationship between the judiciary and the executive, highlighting the ongoing tensions in India's political landscape.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 25, 2026, 18:45 IST

Significant Revelations by Former Supreme Court Justice

New Delhi. The political landscape in India has been shaken by disclosures made by former Supreme Court Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul regarding the judicial appointment process during the tenure of former Chief Justice (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud. In his upcoming book Without Fear or Favour and various interviews, Justice Kaul revealed that there was a practice of discussing potential appointments with the government prior to formal meetings of the collegium. He criticized this as an attempt to seek 'pre-approval' from the government.

In an interview with a media outlet, Justice Kaul recounted an incident where CJI Chandrachud had taken him aside during a collegium meeting to inquire whether the government should be consulted about the proposed appointments. According to Justice Kaul, the collegium had already reached a consensus on five names, but the CJI wanted to include a sixth name that had emerged at the last moment. He expressed that this tradition of informal discussions with the government before collegium decisions raises serious concerns about the independence of the judiciary.

Following these revelations, opposition parties have launched sharp criticisms against both the central government and the judiciary's functioning. Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh took to social media to express that Justice Kaul's comments have raised significant concerns regarding judicial autonomy during the Modi administration. He pointed out that seeking the government's opinion before collegium meetings and changing benches in sensitive cases (like the PMLA case) indicate indirect pressure on this institution that safeguards democracy and the Constitution.

Additionally, Shiv Sena (Uddhav faction) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi and Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee also voiced strong reactions on this issue. Chaturvedi cited Justice Kaul's remarks, suggesting that the former CJI had been excessively lenient towards the government. Meanwhile, Banerjee labeled it a significant betrayal at an institutional level. This entire episode has reignited a major debate regarding the transparency of judicial appointments and the relationship between the judiciary and the executive in the country.