Supreme Court Bar Association and others vs Union of India — Challenge to the 99th Constitutional Amendment Act (NJAC)

Updates

1. News28 Oct 2015

   Judicial assertion

   In India's constitutional history, it is only in a few cases that the Supreme Court has struck down constitutional amendments on the grounds that they...

   Explanation in simple terms

   What:

   The Supreme Court struck down a new law that changed how judges are appointed to higher courts.

   Who:

   The Supreme Court of India is the court deciding the case, and the Union of India is the government.

   When:

   Reported on 28 Oct 2015.

   Where:

   Supreme Court of India, Delhi.

   Why:

   The court decided that the new system threatened the independence of the judiciary from the government.

   What it means:

   This ruling cancels the amendment, meaning the previous system where judges play the primary role in selecting new judges remains.

   The Hindu
2. News19 Oct 2015

   Arun Jaitley on NJAC verdict: Democracy cannot be ‘tyranny of the unelected’

   Terming as "erroneous logic" reasons given by a five-judge Constitution bench, Jaitley warned that democracy would be in danger if the "elected are...

   Explanation in simple terms

   What:

   A government leader criticized a court decision that struck down a new system for appointing judges.

   Who:

   Arun Jaitley, the Union Minister, commented on the verdict delivered by the Supreme Court of India.

   When:

   Reported on 19 Oct 2015.

   Where:

   Supreme Court of India, Delhi.

   Why:

   He argued that democratic power should not rest solely with those who are not elected by voters.

   What it means:

   The statement highlights the conflict between the elected government and the judiciary over how judges are selected.

   The Indian Express