President calls for “better method” for appointing judges, mentions judicial service

New Delhi, Nov 27 (UNI) President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday asked if there can be a “better method” for appointing judges, adding that the idea of an All-India Judicial Service has been around for half a century.

Speaking at the valedictory function of the Constitution Day celebrations by the Supreme Court of India, the President said, “While we talk about pendency of cases and other pertinent issues related to appointments in the judiciary, I am of the firm view that the independence of judiciary is non-negotiable.”

“Without diluting it to the slightest degree, can a better way be found to select judges for the higher judiciary? For instance, there can be an all-India Judicial Service which can select, nurture and promote the right talent, right from the lower levels to the higher levels,” he said.

He added that the idea is not new.

“This idea is not new and has been around for almost half a century. without being tested. I am sure there can also be other better suggestions for reforming the legal system. Ultimately the aim should be to strengthen the justice delivery mechanism,” he said.

Speaking at the event attended by Chief Justice of India RV Ramana, and Law and Justice Minister Kiren Rijiju, the President also talked about the “cost of justice”, and said that in a developing country like ours, a very small section of the citizens can afford to knock on the doors of the court of justice.

“From lower courts to the Supreme Court, it becomes increasingly difficult for an average citizen to seek redressal of grievances. He said that there are individuals and also institutions that offer pro bono services. The Supreme Court too has taken praiseworthy steps in this direction,” he said.

He wished to see increased access to legal aid and advisory services for all. He said that it can take the form of a movement or the form of a better institutionalised mechanism.

President Kovind also said disparaging remarks against the judiciary on social media pains him, as he also asked judges to exercise utmost discretion in their utterances in the courtrooms.
“It pains me no end to note that of late there have been cases of some disparaging remarks against the judiciary made on social media platforms,” the President said at the valedictory function of the Constitution Day celebrations by the Supreme Court of India.
He said these platforms have worked wonderfully to democratise information, yet they have a dark side too.
“The anonymity granted by them is exploited by some miscreants,” he said.
He expressed hope that this is an aberration and it will be short-lived and wondered what could be behind this phenomenon. He asked if we can collectively examine the reasons behind it for the sake of a healthy society.

The President also cautioned judges to practice “discretion” in what they say in the court.
“It is also incumbent upon the judges to exercise utmost discretion in their utterances in the courtrooms. Indiscreet remarks, even if made with good intention, give space for dubious interpretations to run down the judiciary,” he said.