Concern over CJIÂ’s observations
Special Correspondent
http://www.hindu.com/2008/02/25/stories/2008022553821200.htm
NEW DELHI: Intellectuals, artists and women activists have expressed deep
concern over the observations of Chief Justice of India (CJI) K.G. Balakrishnan
against human rights activist Teesta Setalvad in open court on February 19.
Not only Ms. Setalvad but thousands all over the country were disturbed and
anguished by the inordinate delay in dealing with the cases of victims of
Gujarat riots in the Supreme Court, they said in an open letter to the Chief
Justice.
Mr. Justice Balakrishnan had taken strong exception to an article written by
Ms. Setalvad criticising the apex court for the delay in disposal of the cases.
“You may be aware that the issue of court delay has also been raised in
Parliament, in the National Integration Council, and other fora. In this
context, to single out for public criticism Teesta Setalvad, a citizen who has
crusaded tirelessly for the rights of victims both inside and outside the court
at great personal cost, may tend to send a wrong message,” the letter said.
“In a democracy, every wing of the State, including the judiciary, needs to
have a healthy and robust attitude towards critiques which are not motivated in
any sense of the word. Are such remarks, especially without giving an
opportunity to a committed activist to be heard befitting of the highest court
in the land,” the letter said.
The task of ensuring judicial accountability and sensitivity at the highest
levels was a heavy responsibility, which ultimately rested on the shoulders of
the Chief Justice.
“Since the Supreme Court is the final arbiter, we request that this issue may
be examined in the proper context, and we hope for your intervention to ensure
that the faith that people have reposed in the judicial system may be
vindicated and upheld,” the letter said.
The signatories include Brinda Karat, Vina Mazumdar, Jayati Ghosh, Githa
Hariharan, Rajni Palriwala, Syeed Mirza, M.K Raina, Indra Chandrashekhar, Rajan
Prasad, Virendra Saini, Ram Rehman, Madan Gopal Singh, Madhu Prasad, Urvasi
Butalia, Ayesha Kidwai, Hafsa Noomani, Naheed Taban, Rahul Roy, Vineeta Bal,
Nirmalangshu Mukherjee, Archana Prasad, Vandana Prasad, T.K. Rajalakshmi, Sudha
Sundararaman, Primila Loomba, Kalpana David, Jyotsna Chatterjee and Sughra
Mehdi.
With Regards
Abi
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