The President, in accordance with clause (2) of Article 124 of the Constitution, appoints the Chief Justice of India and the Supreme Court (SC) judges.
In terms of the CJI, the retiring CJI proposes his successor.
The recommendation is forwarded by the Union Law Minister to the Prime Minister, who then advises the President.
In the Second Judges Case (1993), the Supreme Court declared that the CJI should be selected only by the Supreme Court's senior most judge.
The Supreme Court collegium is led by the Chief Justice of India and consists of the court's four most senior judges.
The collegium system is a system of judicial appointment and transfer based on Supreme Court judgements (Judges Cases), rather than an Act of Parliament or a provision of the Constitution.
CJI (Master of Roster) Administrative Powers: The office is commonly referred to as primus inter pares - first among equals.
In addition to his adjudicatory duties, the CJI also serves as the Court's administrative head.
In his administrative function, the Chief Justice has the authority to assign cases to specific benches.
The number of judges who will hear a case is likewise decided by the Chief Justice.
As a result, he can sway the decision by simply selecting judges who he believes will favor a particular outcome.
Such administrative powers can be exercised without the approval of the entire faculty and for no apparent cause.
Source à The Hindu à 25/12/21 à Page Number 4
Tags : Second Judges Case, Supreme Court collegium