"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.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Reflections

Contradicting Signals

The Hindu, today has written an editorial on the efforts of reforming public institutions, especially the judiciary. The efforts of the CJI, though loudable, may be questioned on its sincerity, especially when one is reminded of the Supreme Court's reaction on calling for information on judges assets, as Judges’ Asset Declaration Before CJI Not for Public Eye
These are contradictory signals. A solemn effort to cleanse the system should be addressed at all levels and should be holistic, starting from the appointing process to accountablity.

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