Important for UPSC Prelims: Polity
Constitutional Provision
- Article 124 provides for the establishment, appointment and removal of Supreme Court judges, including the CJI.
Appointment
- Appointed by the President of India under Article 124(2).
- By convention, the senior-most Supreme Court judge is appointed as the CJI.
Qualifications
A person must:
- Be a citizen of India.
- Have served as a High Court Judge for 5 years, or
- Have been an Advocate of a High Court for 10 years, or
- Be a distinguished jurist in the opinion of the President.
Tenure
- Holds office until the age of 65 years.
- No fixed tenure.
Removal
- Removed by the President after an address by Parliament supported by a special majority of both Houses.
- Grounds: Proved misbehaviour or incapacity.
Key Powers & Functions
- Master of the Roster—allocates cases and constitutes Benches.
- Heads the Supreme Court.
- Consulted in the appointment of Supreme Court and High Court judges through the Collegium System.
- Can appoint ad hoc judges under Article 127.
- Administers the oath to the President and Vice-President of India.
Conclusion
The Chief Justice of India (CJI) occupies the highest judicial office in the country and serves as the guardian of the Constitution and the rule of law. Through judicial leadership, constitutional interpretation, and the administration of the Supreme Court, the CJI plays a vital role in safeguarding democratic values, ensuring judicial independence.
| This concept has been mentioned in the following article: Centre Defends CEC & EC Selection Panel Without CJI |