Indian Polity
Chief Justice of India (CJI)
Definition
The Chief Justice of India is the head of the Indian judicial system and presides over the Supreme Court of India. The CJI is the senior-most judge and plays a crucial role in judicial administration, constitutional interpretation, and maintaining the independence of the judiciary.
Overview
## Chief Justice of India (CJI)
The Chief Justice of India serves as the constitutional head of the Indian judiciary and is the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court of India. Established under Article 124 of the Constitution, this office represents the apex of judicial authority in the country.
### Appointment and Tenure
The CJI is appointed by the President of India after consultation with judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts. The appointment follows the collegium system, established through judicial pronouncements, where the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court typically becomes the CJI. The tenure extends until 65 years of age or until resignation or removal through impeachment.
### Powers and Functions
As the Master of Roster, the CJI has exclusive authority to constitute benches and allocate cases, making this role pivotal in judicial administration. The CJI exercises significant influence over the appointment of judges to the Supreme Court and High Courts through the collegium system. Additionally, the CJI has administrative control over the Supreme Court's functioning and represents the judiciary in interactions with the executive and legislature.
### Constitutional Significance
The CJI plays a crucial role in maintaining judicial independence and serves as the guardian of the Constitution through the power of judicial review. The office has been at the center of various constitutional debates, including the NJAC controversy and discussions about transparency in judicial appointments. The CJI's leadership is essential for upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice delivery across the country's complex legal landscape.
The Chief Justice of India serves as the constitutional head of the Indian judiciary and is the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court of India. Established under Article 124 of the Constitution, this office represents the apex of judicial authority in the country.
### Appointment and Tenure
The CJI is appointed by the President of India after consultation with judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts. The appointment follows the collegium system, established through judicial pronouncements, where the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court typically becomes the CJI. The tenure extends until 65 years of age or until resignation or removal through impeachment.
### Powers and Functions
As the Master of Roster, the CJI has exclusive authority to constitute benches and allocate cases, making this role pivotal in judicial administration. The CJI exercises significant influence over the appointment of judges to the Supreme Court and High Courts through the collegium system. Additionally, the CJI has administrative control over the Supreme Court's functioning and represents the judiciary in interactions with the executive and legislature.
### Constitutional Significance
The CJI plays a crucial role in maintaining judicial independence and serves as the guardian of the Constitution through the power of judicial review. The office has been at the center of various constitutional debates, including the NJAC controversy and discussions about transparency in judicial appointments. The CJI's leadership is essential for upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice delivery across the country's complex legal landscape.