The Indian higher judiciary is seen as a pillar of justice in the country’s system, responsible for interpreting laws upholding constitutional values and ensuring fair access to justice for all. While the idea of meritocracy guides the selection and progress of judges focusing on skills and knowledge as criteria for appointment and growth there are underlying complexities that maintain exclusionary practices and impede diversity in the judiciary. Although meritocracy is meant to be fair, it often operates within subjective frameworks especially in the appointment processes of the Indian higher judiciary. Unlike some democracies where judicial appointments are publicly scrutinized and overseen by parliament. India’s system largely remains shrouded from view controlled mainly by a few individuals within the executive and judiciary. This lack of transparency encourages discretion and favoritism allowing personal biases to influence decisions and undermining principles.