NEW DELHI: Chief Justice N V Ramana on Wednesday expressed deep distress over leak of information about the selection of nine names for appointment as SC judges by the Collegium and subsequent media coverage even before the process was finalised and recommendations sent to the Union government.
Deviating from his speech during the farewell function of Justice Navin Sinha, the CJI said, “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 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.”
“I must also place on record the tremendous amount of maturity and responsibility displayed by the majority of the senior journalists and media houses in showing restraint and not speculating on such a serious matter,” he added.
Deviating from his speech during the farewell function of Justice Navin Sinha, the CJI said, “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 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.”
“I must also place on record the tremendous amount of maturity and responsibility displayed by the majority of the senior journalists and media houses in showing restraint and not speculating on such a serious matter,” he added.
