UNDESIRABILITY OF INCLUSION OF HIGHER JUDICIARY WITHIN LOKPAL's NET

THE TRIBUNE, NEW DELHI, AUGUST 2, 2011, P. 8
Judicial Bill
This refers to the report, “UPA keeps PM, judiciary out of Lokpal purview; Anna cries foul” (July 29), and subsequent editorial, “Countdown to Lokpal: Eradicating corruption will be a tall order” (July 30).
I hold the view that bringing the higher judiciary within the purview of the Lokpal would spell doom for the much-cherished judicial independence. The demand from various quarters, including the civil society group led by Anna Hazare for including the higher judiciary within the purview of the Lokpal, is undesirable.
It would be right to have a mechanism for effective judicial oversight of senior judges by their peers, assisted by a body reflecting the inclusion of the concerns of other stakeholders. Independence of the higher judiciary is sacrosanct. The judiciary commands a special constitutional position in the task of delivering all-encompassing justice to “We, the people”, and in bringing home the numerous other ideals enshrined in the Constitution of India.
The Judicial Standards and Accountability Bill is hanging fire for some time. It should be made into a law without any further delay.
Dr RAJENDER GOYAL, Bahadurgarh