In keeping with judicial propriety any judge who may be unable to decide impartially a case brought before him, declines to hear the matter and recuses himself. This is very appropriate as justice needs not only to have been done but to be seen to have been done. However, it is desirable that every judge when he says “Not before me” also gives the clear reason why he is recusing himself from the case. This would leave no room for public speculation on the issue and the rumour mill running amok. The Judiciary needs to be more transparent and accountable. The proposed Judicial Standards and Accountability Bill may be a step in the right direction.
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