Transfer of 21 High Court Judges

Context

On 26 May 2025, the Supreme Court Collegium, chaired by Chief Justice B. R. Gavai, recommended a major reshuffle involving the transfer of 21 judges across various High Courts in India and elevation of three High Court judges — N. V. Anjaria, Vijay Bishnoi, and A. S. Chandurkar — to the Supreme Court. The recommendations aim to address three existing vacancies in the apex court and enhance efficiency and regional balance in High Court functioning.

Supreme Court Collegium:

The Supreme Court Collegium is a five-member body headed by the Chief Justice of India and comprising the four senior-most judges of the Supreme Court.
It is responsible for the appointment and transfer of judges of the High Courts and recommendations for appointment to the Supreme Court.
The Collegium system is a judicial innovation evolved through judgments in the Three Judges Cases (1981, 1993, 1998) and is not established by the Constitution or any statute.

Constitutional Provisions:

Article 124: Appointment of Judges to the Supreme Court
Article 217: Appointment and conditions of the office of High Court Judges
Article 222: Transfer of a Judge from one High Court to another
These powers are exercised by the President of India in consultation with the CJI and other relevant authorities.

PYQ:

With reference to the Constitution of India, consider the following statements: (2019)

The President of India can appoint a person who is not a Member of Parliament as a Minister.
The Supreme Court of India is the guardian of the Constitution.
The Supreme Court of India has the power to review its own judgments.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?