Question

The single integrated system of judiciary has the Supreme Court at the apex. With reference to the Supreme Court, answer the following question:

Mention any three ways in which the Constitution ensures the independence of the Judiciary.

Answer 1

1. Security of tenure: Supreme Court judges hold office until the fixed retirement age (65) and cannot be removed except through the prescribed impeachment process for proven misbehaviour or incapacity. This protects judges from arbitrary dismissal by the executive or legislature.
2. Security of salaries and service conditions: Judicial salaries and service conditions are protected (charged on the Consolidated Fund and not easily diminished), so the executive/legislature cannot use pay or terms of service to influence judges.
3. Independent appointment/selection safeguards: Judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by the President after consultation with senior judges (and other constitutional consultative procedures), which reduces direct executive control over judicial appointments.