Chief Justice of India, Justice T.S. Thakur said on Monday that he was ‘disappointed’ with Modi’s speech for remaining mum on the issue of judges’ appointment.
Heard PM's speech and also Law minister's,was hoping there would be something on appointment of judges:CJI TS Thakur pic.twitter.com/k4K1hDDnqR
— ANI (@ANI_news) August 15, 2016
Thakur said he does not hesitate in speaking his mind as he had reached the peak of his career.
I think I have reached the peak of my career, so I don't hesitate in saying what I feel: Chief Justice TS Thakur
— ANI (@ANI_news) August 15, 2016
Pointing to the delays that have crept into the justice delivery system on account of huge pendency, Chief Justice Thakur said that during British Raj a case used to be decided in 10 years time but now even that was not happening due to the huge backlog.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Independence Day speech from the Red Fort, he said he was wondering if he would say something about the country's judicial system.
CJI TS Thakur has hit out at Modi govt saying that he was expecting PM to say something about judges appointments pic.twitter.com/VvrFDvSg1L
— News18 (@CNNnews18) August 15, 2016
At the start of a similar function in the Supreme Court, the knot did not open when the Chief Justice unfurled the national flag.
He said those manning the top judiciary were not weak if Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad refused to be provoked by references to judicial appointments by the Bar Association leaders.
Bar Association Vice President Ajit Sinha earlier urged the minister to consult the Association while appointing judges. Its Secretary Gaurav Bhatia said judicial appointments should be made on time.
Explaining how finally the flag was unfurled, the Chief Justice said: "We took out the pole, undid the knot in the flag, refixed the pole and unfurled it."
In his address as a guest of honour, Law Minister Prasad said the appointment of judges would go ahead irrespective of whether a memorandum of procedure (MoP) was in place or not.
He said the Modi government had taken this position right in the beginning of the year that the absence of MoP would not come in the way of the appointment of judges to higher judiciary.
Earlier, on Friday, Chief Justice Thakur urged the government to clear the appointment of judges as recommended by the Supreme Court collegium.
Delhi Chief Minister also expressed support for Justice Thakur, saying that he admired his courage, conviction and concern for justice.
I really really admire CJI's courage, conviction and his concern for justice
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) August 15, 2016
CNN-News18 also quoted former Supreme Court judge AK Ganguly who said that the Indian judicial system was on the verge of collapse and that many high courts in the country were running with just 40% of their strength.
Many High Courts are working with 40% of force. PM should have clarified on Judge appointments today - Justice Ganguli
— News18 (@CNNnews18) August 15, 2016
Indian judicial system is verging on collapse. I support CJI Thakur's statement - Justice Ganguli
— News18 (@CNNnews18) August 15, 2016
(With IANS inputs)