As judicial independence of Judges rests entirely on maintaining an incorruptible detachment from the government of the day, that glittering certificate given to Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week by the Chief Justice of India H.L.Dattu was very improper and uncalled for. Is he warming up to corner a Governorship like his predecessor P Sathasivam when he retires on 2nd December this year? In certifying Narendra Modi as “a good leader, a good human being and a man with foresight” the Chief Justice of India has clearly breached the Lakshman Rekha.
The Constitution of India is very clear on the roles of the Judiciary and the Legislature. While there is need of concerted efforts towards propping up standards of judicial accountability, there is a very disturbing disquiet over the slippery slope on which judicial values are slithering. The highest standards of judicial independence must be ensured by warding off even the faintest trace of governmental influence on the judiciary. The demand to keep Supreme Court and High Court Judges away from immediately taking such post retirement benefits becomes the need of the hour and will thus ensure that those about to retire, do not run behind those in the establishment thus giving a death knell to the independence of the judiciary. H.L.Dattu is no stranger to Goa and may be even look forward to having his retirement nest in the land of fish, feni and fun. Those memories may never fade of his public and private conduct on his four day private visit to Goa in 2011 from 30th September to 3rd October while he stayed at the 5 star Vivanta by Taj in Panaji. Aires Rodrigues Advocate High Court C/G-2, Shopping Complex Ribandar Retreat, Ribandar – Goa – 403006 Mobile No: 9822684372 Office Tel No: (0832) 2444012 Email: [email protected] Or [email protected] You can also reach me on Facebook.com/ AiresRodrigues Twitter@rodrigues_aires
