Q. With reference to the First Judges Case (1981), consider the following statements:

1. The Supreme Court held that the concept of primacy of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) was implicitly mentioned in the Constitution.
2. The Supreme Court held that the term “consultation” used in Articles 124 and 217 did not mean “concurrence”.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: Only 2
Notes: In the First Judges Case (SP Gupta vs Union of India, 1981), the Supreme Court ruled that the primacy of the CJI is not rooted in the Constitution. It also clarified that “consultation” in Articles 124 and 217 does not mean “concurrence”; thus, the President is not bound by the CJI’s recommendation. This empowered the executive’s role in judicial appointments.