Question

By whom is the Chief Justice of a High Court appointed and how is it done?

Answer 1

The Chief Justice of the High Court heads the apex judicial institution of the state, the High Court. He is appointed by the President in consultation with the Chief Justice and other senior judges of the Supreme Court. These group of judges constitute the Collegium of the Court. Since the ruling of the Constitutional Bench of Supreme Court (handed down in 1993 and reinforced in 1999), the power of selection of judges has passed on to the Collegium of the Court. Their decision is virtually binding on the President, who ultimately makes the formal appointment of the Chief Justice of High Court and other judges.