Extremely Upset With Media Reports Speculating Collegium Recommendations : CJI Ramana

The Chief Justice of India NV Ramana on Wednesday said that he was "extremely upset" with the media speculation about the recommendations made by the Supreme Court collegium.

Highlighting that the process of appointment of judges is "sacrosanct" and "has certain dignity attached to it", the CJI said,  "reflections in some sections of the media, pending the process, even before formalising the resolution is counter productive".

He commented that there are instances of deserving career progression of bright talents getting marred because of such "irresponsible reporting and speculation".

The Chief Justice of India also lauded the tremendous amount of maturity and responsibility displayed by majority of the senior journalists and media houses in showing restraint and not speculating on such a serious matter. Such professional journalists and ethical media are the real strength of the Supreme Court in particular and democracy in general, he said.

"I expect all the stakeholders to uphold the integrity and dignity of this institution", said the CJI.

"I want to take the liberty to express my concern about certain speculations and reports in the media. You are all aware we need to appoint judges to this court. The process is ongoing. Meetings will be held and decisions will be taken. The process of appointment of judges is sacrosanct and has certain dignity attached to it. My media friends must understand and recognise the sanctity of this process. As an Institution we hold the freedom of media and the rights of individuals in high esteem".

"Today's reflections in some sections of the media, pending the process, even before formalising the resolution is counter productive. There were instances of deserving career progression of bright talents getting marred because of such irresponsible reporting and speculation. This is very unfortunate and I am extremely upset about it".

The CJI made these comments during the ceremonial farewell for Justice Navin Sinha, who is retiring today.

"I am sure Brother Sinha will forgive for deviating a bit on this solemn occasion. He will understand my anguish", the CJI said after making his comments criticizing the media reports

(LiveLaw had carried a report on the basis of a report by another media house about the collegium recommendations)

Full Text of Speech :

1. We have assembled here today to bid farewell to Brother Justice Navin Sinha.

2. Brother Sinha was born on 19 August 1956 in an extremely reputed family. Brother Sinha's paternal grandfather was the first Advocate General of Bihar while his maternal grandfather was a Padma Bhushan awardee. His father superannuated as the Additional Secretary, Ministry of Power while his mother was a social worker associated with the Indian Red Cross.

3. Brother Sinha enrolled as an advocate in 1979, after completing his law degree from the University of Delhi. He practised before the Patna High Court for 23 years with great success.

4. He was appointed as a permanent Judge of the Patna High Court on February 11, 2004. He was the Chief Justice of two different High Courts- the High Court of Chhattisgarh and the High Court of Rajasthan.

5. Brother Sinha's forward thinking was clear from the fact that he championed the computerisation of records in all the three High Courts where he was a Judge.

6. He was elevated as a Judge of this Court on February 17, 2017. During his tenure, Brother Sinha has been party to many important judgments and has himself penned 114 judgments on diverse topics including Intellectual Property Rights, Criminal Law, and many more. He has disposed of over 13,671 cases in this Court.

7. Brother Sinha's knowledge and wisdom are writ large in all his judgments. However, the qualities I most admire in him are his humility and simplicity. He never makes anyone feel less or unworthy. These attributes were clear in the way Brother Sinha always conducted his Court. He was always well prepared for Court and knew the contents of every file. Yet, he still gave people a patient hearing, be they juniors or seniors. For young advocates, I am sure arguing before Brother Sinha must have been a wonderful experience.

8. Brother Sinha is known by the Bar and Bench for his straightforward and candid approach. He will always be remembered as a fair Judge- one who talks less but is very insightful.

9. Personally, I am left feeling quite saddened by his retirement. We are losing an important voice and a valued colleague.

10. On this occasion I want to take the liberty to express my concern about certain speculations and reports in the media. You are all aware we need to appoint judges to this court. The process is ongoing. Meetings will be held and decisions will be taken. The process of appointment of judges is sacrosanct and has certain dignity attached to it. My media friends must understand and recognise the sanctity of this process. As an Institution we hold the freedom of media and the rights of individuals in high esteem. Today's reflections in some sections of the media, pending the process, even before formalising the resolution is counter productive. There were instances of deserving career progression of bright talents getting marred because of such irresponsible reporting and speculation. This is very unfortunate and I am extremely upset about it.

11. I must also place on record tremendous amount of maturity and responsibility displayed by majority of the senior journalists and media houses in showing restraint and not speculating on such a serious matter. Such professional journalists and ethical media are the real strength of the Supreme Court in particular and democracy in general. You are part of our system. I expect all the stakeholders to uphold the integrity and dignity of this institution.

12. I am sure Brother Sinha will forgive for deviating a bit on this solemn occasion. He will understand my anguish. I firmly believe that the nation will continue to draw benefit of Brother Sinha's rich experience. I look forward to his continued contributions in the legal field. On behalf of all my Brother and Sister Judges, I wish him all the best for his future endeavours.