Full formLaw & Legal
EAJstands forEligibility and Appointment of Judges
Full Form of EAJ
What is EAJ?
The Eligibility and Appointment of Judges (EAJ) refers to the constitutional and procedural framework governing the selection and appointment of judges to the Supreme Court and High Courts in India. This process is rooted in Articles 124 and 217 of the Constitution, which outline qualifications, age limits, and the method of appointment. In India, the Collegium system—a panel of senior judges headed by the Chief Justice of India—plays a critical role in recommending candidates, ensuring judicial independence from the executive. The EAJ process is widely discussed in legal circles, law schools, and during judicial examinations such as the UPSC Law Optional and state judiciary exams. It involves considerations of seniority, merit, and diversity, and has been subject to debates over transparency and the role of the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC), which was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2015. Understanding EAJ is essential for students of constitutional law and aspiring judges, as it directly impacts the integrity and functioning of the Indian judiciary.
EAJ का फुल फॉर्म
न्यायाधीशों की पात्रता और नियुक्ति
Example
The Supreme Court Collegium recently revised the EAJ procedure to include more detailed justification for each recommendation, aiming to enhance transparency in judicial appointments.
EAJ — frequently asked questions
What is the full form of EAJ?
EAJ stands for Eligibility and Appointment of Judges. It refers to the process of selecting and appointing judges for the Supreme Court and High Courts in India, as governed by the Constitution and the Collegium system.
How does the Collegium system work in EAJ?
The Collegium system, comprising the Chief Justice of India and four senior-most Supreme Court judges, recommends candidates for judicial appointments. The government then approves these recommendations, ensuring the judiciary's independence from political influence.
Why is EAJ important for UPSC and judiciary exams?
EAJ is a key topic in Indian constitutional law, frequently tested in UPSC Civil Services (Law Optional) and state judiciary exams. Questions often cover Articles 124 and 217, the Collegium system, and the failed NJAC Act.