Accountability of the judiciary

This refers to the front page article, “SC judges were disloyal to charter” (TDS, Aug.16). The problem begins when one organ of the state does not respect the constitution and mires in an avoidable controversy. We often blame politicians for subverting the laws of the land, but even the judiciary is not free from the blame.

Recently, the Cambodian National Assembly passed new laws making the judiciary subservient to the government. It is in contrast to the Cambodian constitution which stands for separation of the powers of the different organs of the state and an independent judiciary. In Pakistan, the judiciary is keeping quiet on corruption allegations against the son of the retired chief justice. Is this the true meaning of judicial independence? Even in a nation like UK, the judiciary is not blameless. The UK has Judicial Conduct Investigations Office. Judges falling asleep during trial is not a surprise. Judges have to be accountable.

Deendayal M. Lulla
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