Chief Justice of India R M Lodha today said that appointment in higher judiciary by another body may affect its independence.

Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, he said that judges are best equipped to decide the suitability of a person for being a judge.

On the issue of post-retirement assignment, Mr Lodha said that he personally does not find it appropriate for a Chief Justice of India, judges of Supreme Court and High Courts accepting post-retirement assignment from the government.

He said there should be a cooling off period of 2 years for judges to accept any appointment in the government.