------------------------------------------------------------------------ * * * * * * * * * ANNUAL GOANETTERS MEET * * * * * * * * * ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Goanetters in Goa and visiting meet Jan 6, 2009 at 3.30 pm at Hotel Mandovi (prior to the Goa Sudharop event, which you're also welcome to). Join in for a Dutch dinner -- if we can agree on a venue after the meet. RSVP (confirmations only) 9822122436 or 2409490 or [email protected] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ While our Legislators and Executive have been ruling the roost, India has not been shining for the Judiciary. The recent hike in salaries of Supreme Court and High Court judges was long overdue. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court will now get paid one lakh a month. It is however an irony that India's highest paid Advocate General in Goa, Mr. Subodh Kantak, is still earning five times the salary of the Chief Justice of India. Accepting the position of a judge is a very big challenge. One has to sacrifice one's personal liberty to a great extent. While Politicians have bags loaded with money delivered to their home, Judges get bags loaded with files which they have to read through in the evening in preparation for the next day. The Government should now act expeditiously and also hike the salaries and improve the benefits of Subordinate Court Judges, Public prosecutors, Assistant Public Prosecutors and other Government advocates. Today some Judges are travelling by buses and there is a need to provide vehicles to all judges for their personal security and convenience. Better benefits need to be given to Court staff too. It has to be ensured that only persons with good knowledge of law and a good insight to interpret and dispense it should be entrusted the responsibility as Judges. Government should ensure good pecuniary benefits to all the judicial officers so that the judiciary attracts nothing less than the best and the brightest. Only persons with sound knowledge of law should be selected even at the entry level as Judicial Magistrate First Class. The selection of subordinate court judges has to be very meticulous as persons who cannot interpret the law damage the justice delivery system. In times when money and muscle power is solely determining the heights our politicians can reach, the task of the Judiciary becomes all the more pertinent, crucial and vital. Aires Rodrigues Ribandar
