INDIAN EXPRESS DATED 25th OCT 2026.

Summary of Important News Items Editorials-452

INDIAN EXPRESS DATED 25th OCT 2026.

(for reading Indian Express News items from 1 to 451 please visit –

web.prernaforias.com)

1. Judicial Independence and Collegium Appointments: Justice S. K. Kaul's Revelations

Former Supreme Court judge Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul's forthcoming memoir, Without Fear or Favour, has renewed debate over judicial appointments and executive influence. According to the newspaper's review, Justice Kaul criticised former Chief Justice D. Y. Chandrachud's approach to the government during Collegium deliberations. He alleged that government preferences were sometimes given excessive importance and recalled disagreements over proposed judicial appointments. Justice Chandrachud disputed aspects of Kaul's account, describing Collegium meetings as reasoned and cordial. Background: Under the Collegium system, senior judges recommend appointments and transfers to the higher judiciary, while the executive participates in the appointment process. Logic: Judicial independence requires freedom from political pressure, but appointments also need transparency, institutional cooperation and accountability. Constitutional significance: Articles 124 and 217 govern appointments to the Supreme Court and High Courts respectively. Gist: The controversy highlights the need for a credible, transparent and timely judicial appointment process that preserves the independence of the judiciary.

2. West Asia Crisis: Iran, BRICS Diplomacy and the Strait of Hormuz