Who appoints the Chief Justice of India?

Appeared in: AIIMS Delhi NO - 2017

Explanation

The President of India holds the formal authority to appoint the Chief Justice of India (CJI).
This power is granted to the President under Article 124(2) of the Indian Constitution.
By established convention, the appointment process is initiated by the outgoing CJI, who recommends the most senior judge of the Supreme Court as the successor.
The Union Minister of Law, Justice, and Company Affairs puts up the recommendation to the Prime Minister, who then advises the President on the matter.

Option A: The Governor is the constitutional head of a state, not the union. Their appointment powers are limited to the state level.
Option C: The Prime Minister is the head of the government, not the head of state. While the Prime Minister advises the President on the appointment, they do not have the formal power to appoint the CJI.
Option D: The outgoing Chief Justice plays a crucial role in the process but only in a recommendatory capacity.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Appointment process of the Chief Justice of India as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the appointment process of the CJI is crucial for comprehending the principle of separation of powers between the executive and judiciary in India.
This process highlights the balance between executive authority (President's appointment) and judicial independence (consultation and the convention of seniority).
Knowledge of the structure of the Indian government and its key appointments is essential for general awareness and civic literacy.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question, which is about the appointing authority for the Chief Justice of India.
Recall your knowledge of the Indian Constitution and the specific roles of the highest officials in the country.
Analyze each option: The President is the head of state, the Prime Minister is the head of government, the Governor is the head of a state, and the Chief Justice is the head of the judiciary.
Eliminate incorrect options based on their defined constitutional roles. The Governor's jurisdiction is at the state level. The Prime Minister's role in this context is advisory. The outgoing Chief Justice's role is recommendatory.
Conclude that the President, as the head of the Republic of India, holds the formal power of appointment for key constitutional posts, including the Chief Justice of India, as specified in the Constitution.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full AIIMS Delhi NO - 2017

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.