While hearing the challenge to the Election Commissioners appointment law, the Supreme Court defended the Collegium system of judicial appointments. Justice Dipankar Datta described the Centre's comparison of the Collegium with the Election Commissioner selection process as "disquieting". He pointed out that the executive does have a role in appointing judges and may accept or not accept Collegium recommendations. The court also flagged the Centre's selective clearance of recommended names. The Collegium is the system in which senior judges recommend appointments and transfers of judges to the higher judiciary.