Despite the fact that the BJP was prepared to support the measure, the government appeared Thursday to have developed cold feet on clearing the law ministry proposal to set up an independent “Judicial Appointments Commi-ssion” aimed at replacing the existing collegium system of appointing members of the higher judiciary.
While a draft bill was on the agenda of Thursday’s Cabinet meeting, a source said “given the objections raised by the legal fraternity, judges and Bar Council of India, it was felt more discussions were needed”.
A minister insisted, however, that a decision was put off only because law minister Kapil Sibal was not present as he is indisposed.
While initially it was said the Leader of the Opposition would be a member of the six-member panel, sources said the final draft had only the Chief Justice of India as chairman, two senior SC judges, two eminent citizens as members and the law secretary as member-secretary.
The Cabinet also approved key amendments suggested by the BJP and Left parties to the Land Acquisition Bill, in a bid to create a consensus on this key legislation.