Lok Sabha is now discussing the Judicial Standards and Accountability Bill,2010.
The Bill seeks to create a mechanism to increase the accountability of the Supreme Court and High Court Judges. It will pave the way for inquiring into their individual complaints and recommend appropriate action.
The Bill, moved by the Law Minister Salman Khurshid for consideration and passage in the house, is also aimed to have a mechanism to declare assets and liabilities of Judges, strengthening the independence of Judiciary. Mr. Khurshid said the bill will also strengthen the institution of Judiciary by increasing the confidence of public in Judiciary.
The Bill further provides for setting up of the National Judiciary Oversight Committee to monitor the behaviour of the Judges. It seeks to repeal the Judges Inquiry Act, 1968 while retaining its basic features.
The Minister also introduced a Constitutional Amendment Bill to raise the retirement age of High Court Judges including the additional and acting Judges of these Courts from 62 to 65 years.
Initiating the discussion on the Bill, BJP senior member Chandra Gowda asked the Government to set up a National Judiciary Commission on the lines of the Human Rights Commission.
Stating that the recommendations made by the Standing Committee have not fully been incorporated, he asked the Government to make provisions to increase transparency in the Judiciary. Supporting the proposal to set up the National Judiciary Oversight Committee, he cautioned the government against making the legislators and the bar members part of its composition.
Speaking on the Bill, Congress Member Manish Tiwari felt it is beginning to bring in greater transparency in the Judiciary.
He asked the members to rise above party lines in support of the Bill. Sailendra Kumar, SP, asked the Government to have a provision for reservation of the weaker sections in the Judiciary.
Stating that the common man is suffering to get justice, he suggested the Government to chalk out a programme to provide justice at an affordable cost. Vijay Bahadur Singh of BSP advocated for introducing a strong mechanism for appointments of Judges to prevent corruption.
Favouring a compulsory reservation in judiciary, he supported the proposal to raise the retirement age of High Court Judges to 65 years. The Discussion will continue.
