It is vital that only persons with sound knowledge of law, very impeccable
integrity and a burning desire to be fair and impartial must be selected as
Judges. They must also have the courage to uphold the law and strike down
injustice. The selection of judges has to be very meticulous, using a well
laid down transparent process. Selecting the wrong individuals with suspect
credentials and those who cannot interpret the law will undoubtedly inflict
irreversible damage to the justice delivery system.
It is imperative that politicians should have no role whatsoever, direct or
indirect in the selection, promotion and posting of Judges. Likewise, it
must be ensured that sitting and retired judges do not orchestrate their
incompetent and unworthy relatives, friends and former chamber colleagues
to sneak into judicial positions. The Collegium at the High Court and the
Supreme Court must detail reasons why someone has been selected or rejected
for the coveted post. The Supreme Court earlier used to give brief
reasoning but of late it has been reduced to a mere sentence. Transparency
and Integrity must always lie at the heart of our Judiciary and those that
operate within those sacred judicial institutions. Over the years we have
witnessed some extremely good judges but in anguish have also had to live
with those from the other end of the spectrum.
We need to have the right persons selected as Judges with their salary and
perks substantially enhanced so that only the best and brightest preside
over the Temples of Justice. The Judiciary should never be manned by
persons who are slanted or aligned to any political party. Judges should
have the spine to crack on illegalities done by any politician, regardless
of the party he is affiliated to and the high position he holds. If Judges
cannot independently balance the scales of Justice, the Courts lose their
very Sanctity, Transparency and Integrity
Lord Harry Woolf, a former Chief Justice of England had said “Like old
clocks, our judicial institutions need to be oiled, wound up and set to
true time".
Aires Rodrigues
Advocate High Court
C/G-2, Shopping Complex
Ribandar Retreat,
Ribandar – Goa – 403006
Mobile No: 9822684372
Office Tel No: (0832) 2444012
Email: airesrodrigu...@gmail.com
Or
airesrodrig...@yahoo.com
You can also reach me on
Facebook.com/ AiresRodrigues
Twitter@rodrigues_aires
www.airesrodrigues.com
