Fri Jul 04 19:10:00 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**CJI Gavai Vows Merit, Transparency in Judicial Appointments, Addresses Collegium Concerns**

Mumbai – July 5, 2025 – Chief Justice of India (CJI) Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai affirmed on Friday the collegium system for appointing judges will uphold merit, transparency, and inclusive representation, resisting external pressures. He spoke at a Bombay Bar Association felicitation event, emphasizing a commitment to complete transparency and diverse representation in the judiciary.

CJI Gavai, who assumed office in May as the 52nd CJI, noted ongoing efforts to enhance transparency, initiated under his predecessor. Addressing concerns raised by Justice Dipankar Datta regarding potential interference, he assured fair consideration of all recommendations.

Reflecting on his own Supreme Court elevation in 2019, he acknowledged initial reservations within the collegium, overcome through the Bombay Bar’s support. He expressed deep gratitude to the Bar, acknowledging their pivotal role in his rise to both the Supreme Court and the CJI position.

CJI Gavai clarified that the Supreme Court operates as a collective, not driven by a single individual. He stated his preference for action over promises, choosing to let his work speak for itself during his remaining six months in office.

Addressing the high case pendency in Bombay High Court, CJI Gavai pledged to prioritize the recommended names and expedite appointments to ensure the High Court operates at full strength and resolves the pendency issue.

**Summary:**

This news article reports on a speech given by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai at a Bombay Bar Association event. The CJI addressed concerns regarding the collegium system, promising transparency, merit-based selections, and inclusive representation in judicial appointments. He acknowledged potential external pressures but asserted their recommendations will be followed. Gavai also discussed the Bombay High Court’s case backlog and committed to prioritize recommended appointments in order to address the problem.

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