Hope government, judiciary don't confront each other on judicial vacancies: R.S. Sodhi

Retired Justice R.S. Sodhi on Wednesday said he hoped that the government and judiciary opt for a healthy discussion on the National Judicial Appointments Act (NJAC) issue, rather than moving into a position of confronting each other.

"I welcome the government's healthy participation. I hope it does not become a confrontational attitude issue, but a healthy participation in debate to bring about a more transparent and better system. That is welcome," Sodhi told ANI.

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"I think it is absolutely right that the government has the duty to inform the court of its suggestions. After all, it is a party to the proceedings, and on the other hand, the court will seriously look into the matter. Transparency in the public domain is something which is in the benefit of the judge appointing process itself," he added.

Notwithstanding the Supreme Court's rejection of the National Judicial Appointments Commission Act (NJAC), the government and the judiciary have come together to resolve an immediate crisis in the justice administration of judicial vacancies.

As a signal that both branches of governance will be working together to tide over urgent issues concerning the judiciary, the collegium led by Chief Justice of India H.L. Dattu has swung into action and recommended the names of 24 additional judges for higher posts to the government.