Our fearless and upright Chief Justice of India NV Ramana must ensure that no injustice is done to his upright Judges of integrity, regardless of whether the politicians are out to settle scores.
The Supreme Court Colleguim at its meeting on 29th September last year had approved the proposal of the Bombay High Court for the elevation of Goa’s senior most District Judge B.P.Deshpande as a Judge of the High Court.
As that proposal is in cold storage for over three months, it is a matter of concern as the government had been clearing some Collegium resolutions swiftly.
Is Judge Deshpande who has had an unblemished judicial career now paying the price for being a no nonsense Judge? The BJP government needs to decide on his elevation soon given the fact that Judge Deshpande retires at the end of this year.
The Constitution of India is very clear on the distinct roles of the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary. It envisages a free, fair and an independent Judiciary. The highest standards of judicial independence must be ensured by warding off even the faintest trace of governmental influence on the judiciary.
With the sanctity of the other two pillars of our democracy currently severely dented, our only hope is the Judiciary. But with the government wanting to overpower the Judiciary too, there is a very disturbing disquiet over the slippery slope on which judicial values are slithering. The highest standards of judicial independence must be ensured. May Judge Deshpande and Judges of integrity get Justice in a timely manner.
