The Supreme Court today rejected the government's objections to the elevation of two judges to the top court, stressing that merit should be considered above seniority. The Supreme Court collegium, or panel of five senior most judges, reiterated its April 12 decision to recommend Justices Aniruddha Bose and AS Bopanna for the top court. "Merit should be given predominant consideration," the collegium said, noting that "nothing adverse regarding competence, conduct or integrity of the judges had been pointed out" by the government.