Sanjay Kishan Kaul Criticizes DY Chandrachud's Judicial Appointments

Former Supreme Court judge Sanjay Kishan Kaul criticized the administrative leadership of former Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud in his memoir, 'Without Fear or Favour'. Kaul argued that Chandrachud was "too soft at times" and should have pushed the government more aggressively to fill judicial vacancies.

Kaul stated that cumbersome appointment processes and informal pre-consultations with the executive discourage top legal talent from joining the judiciary. He noted that while he and Chandrachud maintained a friendly personal rapport, they differed in their perceptions of executive-judiciary dynamics. Kaul observed that the judiciary's success in securing appointments often depends on the political strength of the government in power.

Beyond judicial appointments, Kaul expressed concern that national institutions, including Parliament, are failing to meet public expectations.