My Dear Devidas,
The day you were appointed as the Advocate General of Goa, we all rejoiced as we felt that a very honest, upright and ever so humble person was appointed to that coveted post. But our hopes are now being shattered as you alike your predecessors continue to be a pawn in the hands of your political masters.
Being very well aware that this extremely chronic issue of potholes across the State is a concern to every citizen, while initially, you appreciated the concern of the Petitioner Pradeep Padgaonkar for having moved the Court, you have now justified reasons for having taken objection to the press conference taken by him as a point of propriety. But rules of the game have to be the same. If you seek to raise a plea on the basis of that high moral ground, then one cannot point a finger at others when four fingers point to the accuser.
What propriety are you speaking about, Devidas? If I were in your place I would have never ever appeared before His Lordship Mahesh Sonak if I had been his junior for so many years. I hope that what is good for the goose is good for the gander.
Our brilliant Justice Sonak may be our first Goan hope who may be a Judge of the Supreme Court. I would therefore request you to desist from appearing before your former Senior to leave no room for gossip in the corridors of the High Court which is required to be as sanitized as the Court room itself.
For as Lord Chief Justice Hewart said, justice should not only be done, but should manifestly and undoubtedly be seen to be done. He further stated that Nothing is to be done which creates even a suspicion that there has been an improper interference with the course of justice. And this is the fundamental principle being followed in our country in the dispensation of justice.
As Advocate General you will appreciate the responsibility for promoting and protecting judicial independence. This is an important concept that the judiciary should be independent from other branches of government or from private or partisan interests and should not be subject to any improper influence.
Devidas, as Power and Authority comes and also fades away, it is incumbent that we always maintain the highest levels of humility and mankind with our ears always to the ground.
Yours Sincerely,
Aires Rodrigues
