"I realise that some of my criticisms may be mistaken; but to refuse to criticize judgements for fear of being mistaken is to abandon criticism altogether... If any of my criticisms are found to be correct, the cause is served; and if any are found to be incorrect the very process of finding out my mistakes must lead to the discovery of the right reasons, or better reasons than I have been able to give, and the cause is served just as well."

-Mr. HM Seervai, Preface to the 1st ed., Constitutional Law of India.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

News

The Power of Information
See http://www.hindu.com/2008/10/14/stories/2008101459461100.htm
A study on the use of Right to Information Act, 2005 reveals the power of information to revamp the system.

Concern Over Judicial Appointments

See http://www.hindu.com/2008/10/14/stories/2008101454530800.htm

Appointment of judges to higher judiciary has always been an eye of storm. The provisins of the Constitution of India is practically re-written by the judicial decisions, presently, the third judges case. Even the detailed prescriptions by the Supreme Court therein prove unsatisfactory in securing transaparency in appointments, which is crucial for both the independence of judiciary as well as its quality.

The Standing Committee on the Ministry of Law and Justice had filed a report and asked the Centre to consider evolving a new mechanism of appointments of judges. (http://www.hindu.com/2006/08/18/stories/2006081802181400.htm). The CJI himself have stated the need to streamline the present appointment process as it has "some difficulties and mistakes", while felt bound by the Supreme Court's decision. (http://www.outlookindia.com/pti_news.asp?id=612176). The NCRWC has given detailed suggestions on the issue which may be found at http://lawmin.nic.in/ncrwc/finalreport/v1ch7.htm

The consultations by the NCRWC have probed into the need of having an All India Judicial Service for the subordinate judiciary. http://lawmin.nic.in/ncrwc/finalreport/v2b1-15.htm. Find the consultation paper on higher judiciary at http://lawmin.nic.in/ncrwc/finalreport/v2b1-14.htm

See also, http://www.hindu.com/2006/12/01/stories/2006120107340100.htm, http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/351_HC_judges_appointed_bypassing_SC_collegium/rssarticleshow/2679385.cms, http://www.indlaw.com/search/news/default.aspx?348069ee-3143-4ceb-95b6-17aecaab19eb

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