Mechanism to be evolved soon to rid judiciary of corruption, says CJI

Mechanism to be evolved soon to rid judiciary of corruption, says CJI

Special Correspondent

Y. K. Sabharwal delivers inaugural address at the State Judicial Officers’ conference

 

 

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`Modern technology will ensure that corruption is totally eliminated’ Reports suggesting 20 per cent of the system is corrupt is incorrect: CJI MOMENT TO CHERISH: Chief Justice of India Y. K. Sabharwal receiving a memento presented to him at the inauguration of State Judicial Officers’ conference in Hyderabad on Sunday. Chief Justice of Andhra Pradesh G. S. Singhvi and Justice Bilal Nazki ar e seen. Photo: Mohd. Yousuf     HYDERABAD: Chief Justice of India Y. K. Sabharwal has exuded confidence that the judicial system in the country will evolve a mechanism to bring “zero per cent tolerance” to corruption in judiciary in not so distant future. The new system involving the use of modern technology will ensure that either corruption is totally eliminated or considerably controlled and brought to zero level, he said. Delivering the inaugural address at the State Judicial Officers’ conference here on Sunday, he expressed concern over the reports of high corruption in judiciary that had become a matter of debate in various platforms. `Reports incorrect’ While the reports suggested that 20 per cent of the system was corrupt, verification on the basis of interaction with Chief Justices and records proved that to be incorrect. “When five per cent corruption is supposed to be high in judiciary, 20 per cent is much higher. Luckily, that does not appear so on the basis of the records,” he said. Moreover, the standard of test pertaining to petitions of corruption of judicial officers was much stronger than any other official of Government organisations. Tracing the reasons for corruption in judiciary, Justice Sabharwal said one of the main reasons was high percentage of corruption in the staff working in the subordinate courts. “The amount they take may be small, but amount is not an issue and we cannot justify that. Since there is high percentage of corruption at that level the conclusion is that there is corruption at the higher level,” he said. Elaborating about the accusations over delays in disposal of cases, he said while the number of cases had increased manifold, the number of judges attending to the cases had remained same over the years. In addition to the increasing awareness among people about the legal systems, the multiplication of laws every now and then was resulting in more number of cases. It was the duty of the legislature to see the impact a new law would have on the number of cases and the number of judges being added to the system. “If things are projected that way none can point an accusing finger towards judges,” he said. Pat for judicial officers Appreciating the judicial officers for their role in strengthening the judiciary, he wanted them to come up with innovation to turn the tide and increase disposals. He advised the officers not to resort to shortcut methods in their career as it would be exposed sooner or later and they would have to pay a heavy price. Chief Justice of Andhra Pradesh G. S. Singhvi welcomed the participants while High Court Judge Justice Bilal Nazki proposed a vote of thanks.