India, March 22 -- An unprecedentedly candid admission by Supreme Court judge, justice Dipankar Datta, that the collegium system has failed to protect judges with integrity in the past, comes at a pivotal moment in the evolution of the institution - when questions are being asked about its transparency and decision-making.

Speaking at the first Supreme Court Bar Association national conference on "Reimagining Judicial Governance" in Delhi, justice Datta said the collegium 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...