Bar should play a role in selection of judges: SC judge

Chennai:

Bar should play a role in the selection of Supreme Court judges, according to a Supreme Court judge.

Delivering a lecture on ‘Judicial Accountability and Reforms’ at the High Court premises here on Thursday, Supreme Court judge J Chelameswar suggested bar associations could help in scrutiny of candidate by providing necessary inputs.

Talking about the financial misbehavior of judges, he said it is highly abhorable. “Judges come from the bar. Bar association as a body is collectively responsible as the current ethical standard of bar is reflected on the judge," Chelameswar said.

He also highlighted the absence of academic supervision which emboldens judiciary to deviate from the norms. “Vigilance acts as a factor which would influence the judge to be more accountable,” justice Chelameswar said.

He also highlighted inconsistencies in judicial determination and said it hinders accountability.