The conflict between the Executive and the Judiciary regarding judicial appointment is not new. Its most visible manifestation was when Prime Minister Indira Gandhi appointed Justice A.N. Ray as the Chief Justice in 1975 out of turn, as a “reward” for his pro-government stance in the Kesavananda Bharti Case. This led to much public outcry, on the grounds of violation of judicial independence.

Once again the pandemic is hitting us hard in its second wave leaving no other option but to once again choose the path of virtual courts. So the decision of the RERA Authorities to go virtual is just to settle the disputes without any further delay and not to let the pandemic hamper our justice system.