SC Report Calls for Ending Discriminatory Job Titles in Judiciary A Supreme Court report urges the judiciary to stop using archaic and discriminatory job titles such as halalkhor, dhobi, scavenger, coolie, masalchi, malan, and others. The report, titled “Reforming administrative nomenclature in the Indian judiciary: Embedding dignity and equity in service rules,” argues that these terms perpetuate a “grammar of inequality” rooted in feudal, colonial, and caste-based systems. The report aims to "align the language of the administration with the language of the Constitution" to reaffirm that language is the judiciary’s "first act of justice." The report notes that terms such as halalkhor and scavenger violate constitutional protections against caste-based discrimination. 53rd Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant will take oath as the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI). He will succeed Justice B.R. Gavai. He was appointed on October 30 and will serve for nearly 15 months, demitting office on February 9, 2027 upon turning 65. Chief Justice of India Appointment: A Supreme Court judge, including the CJI, is appointed by the President under Article 124 (2). The outgoing CJI recommends the senior-most Supreme Court judge based on length of service as the next CJI (a customary practice, not a legal requirement). Qualification: To qualify as CJI, one must be a citizen of India, have served as a High Court judge for 5 years or as an advocate for 10 years, or be a distinguished jurist in the President’s opinion. Tenure: The CJI holds office until the age of 65 years, with no fixed tenure, as it depends on the judge’s date of appointment and retirement. The CJI can only be removed by the President after an address by Parliament, supported by a special majority in both Houses.
