India, July 5 -- Chief Justice of India (CJI) B R Gavai on Friday assured that judicial appointments will remain free from external interference, affirming the Supreme Court's commitment to transparency and merit in the collegium system.

Speaking at a felicitation event hosted by the Bombay Bar Association to mark his elevation as the 52nd CJI, Justice Gavai responded to recent concerns raised by Supreme Court judge Dipankar Datta about attempts to influence the collegium's decisions.

"I must assure you that we will ensure a completely transparent process while giving due representation to all sections of society," Justice Gavai said. "Merit will never be compromised."

Justice Datta, while delivering a speech in Pune on June 28, had fl...