The Panaji Bench of the Bombay High Court recently appropriately observed that “as a legal fraternity, we must cherish our nobility not only in the interest of the profession but in the interest of the whole judicial system.”
Not very long ago Goa's Chief Minister Manohar had publicly announced that he had a bag full of evidence of corruption against some judges. If the accusation made by the Chief Minister is true it is a matter of great concern. Justice loving Goans would be indebted to Mr. Parrikar if he makes all this evidence available to the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court so that these undesirable elements, if any, are flushed out of the judicial system. Only people of the highest integrity and legal acumen should make it to the judicial positions. People aspiring to these positions should be unbiased to the core and any links whatsoever to the RSS or the Sangh Parivar should definitely be nipped in the bud. Today it is an irony that a small state like Goa is being mismanaged by a Jumbo cabinet but our back-logged courts are expected to dispense justice with skeleton staff. Judges have to be paid good salaries and provided better amenities. Today even Mamlatdars and Deputy Collectors have an official vehicle to move around in but most of the Civil judges have to travel in sardine packed buses to and from work. It is very unfortunate that Politicians without any hesitation frequently give themselves a hefty salary raise but when it comes to hiking judges emoluments they crib and sulk. Everything possible has to be done to ensure that the judiciary is independent and free from any political interference. It is a relief that today all control over even the junior judges comes within the purview of the High Court. I can vividly recollect that one evening, over two decades ago, when I was visiting the then Law Minister Shankar Laad, a few junior judges had come to lobby their promotion/ transfer prospects. It was a painful sight I will never forget. One of those judges was dismissed from judicial service some years ago. Justice delayed is justice denied. Time is of the essence in many matters. It would also be ideal if all authorities exercising judicial authority are brought within the purview and under the scrutiny of the High Court. This would strengthen people's faith and confidence in these authorities. Today the Goa Administrative Tribunal is in utter chaos. The backlog of cases is horrendous and mind boggling. It is a very important authority sitting in appeal on matters over 32 legislations. The past practice of appointing the Law Secretary to preside over the proceedings was not proper and bad practice. How could a Government officer sit in judgment in matters against the Government?. Today the Director of Panchayats sits as a judicial authority disposing appeals in Panchayat matters. The backlog is enormous. The disposal rate of cases is next to zero. How can you also expect an officer to deliver justice if he is also at the mercy of the politicians for his transfer, suspension or extension of service. It is a matter of anguish that Politicians in power try to control and manipulate all institutions possible. The press in Goa is no longer independent and no longer free. It is a sad state of affairs but there's not much that one can do. However we should do everything possible to ensure that the Judiciary, the last and perhaps today the only resort for justice, is protected and kept safely away from those in Power. Aires Rodrigues Ribandar ########################################################################## # Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts # # More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others # ##########################################################################