India, March 22 -- Supreme Court judge justice Dipankar Datta on Saturday said the top court's Collegium has, in the past, failed to stand by judges who acted with courage and integrity, warning that such instances may discourage judges from prioritising ethics over career advancement.

"Many judges have had the mental courage and conviction to take the hit for the greater good. However, how many judges in present times would prioritise ethics over career growth? Do you expect them to have the rectitude to practice what is preached? It is a bitter pill to swallow," justice Datta said while speaking at the first Supreme Court Bar Association national conference on "Reimagining Judicial Governance".

"There have been instances in the past w...