Post-retirement sinecure may displease a section of politicians, but every colour of political party has been complicit in somewhat manipulating a small section of the judiciary to its own narrow end. Only drastic changes can make this go away.
With CJI NV Ramana retiring soon, one legacy he left behind is that he filled up many vacancies in the Supreme Court and High Courts. This was unlike his predecessor, Justice SA Bobde, who made no appointments to the Supreme Court due to the collegium being deadlocked for 22 months.
Even as the collegium recommended nine names as judges to the apex court, there was none from minority communities. The Court should reflect the composite culture and constitutional values of the nation.
While putting emphasis on the significance of appointing the Ad-Hoc Judges, the top court said that the strength of permanent and additional judges can be utilized for current and not so old cases.
The Court has constituted a panel to speed up disposal of cheque bounce cases. It said the centre would allocate space for its functioning and give allowances. The panel has to submit its report within three months.
The Supreme Court today has deferred hearing on a plea filed by Ramachnadapura Math against the decision of the Karnataka High Court which had constituted a “overseeing committee” and handed over the management of the Gokarna Temple to the said committee instead of the petitioner Math.
A supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice of India S.A. Bobde pulled up the Centre for not responding to matter concerning appointment of additional judges in high courts, which is causing pendency of cases.