Shanti Bhushan & Anr vs U.O.I. & Anr

The Supreme Court ruled that the appointment of a Judge to the Madras High Court must comply with the procedures established in the Second Judges Case (Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association & Ors. v. Union of India, 1993 (4) SCC 441) and Special Reference No.1 of 1998 (1998 (7) SCC 739), which require the Chief Justice of India to consult senior colleagues before forming an opinion. The Court held that the appointment of respondent No.2 as a permanent Judge was invalid as it did not adhere to these procedural norms, thus quashing the appointment and emphasizing the necessity of collective consultation in judicial appointments under Article 32 of the Constitution.