Country lacks moral courage to question judiciary: Setalvad

Mumbai, Dec 22 (UNI) Noted human rights activist Teesta Setalvad today said the country lacks political and moral courage to question the functioning of judiciary in the country.

While speaking at a workshop on 'Judicial accountability and reforms', Ms Setalvad said ''Judges should be held up for scrutiny. They can't enjoy power without responsibilty.'' The activist, who is known for her tirade against Gujarat communal riots, alleged that judiciairy was keeping mum on issue of mass crimes.

She said the faltering democracy couldn't produce good judges.

Ms Setalvad also accused that bar and bench of judicary have a holy nexus and added ''Why bar associations in the country never question the slow process of disposal of cases in the courts.'' She pointed out that after independence, there were 18 Law Commission reports which suggested structural and functional changes in the functioning of judiciary, but not a single report has been implemented till date.

The judicial accountability in public is oblivious to the fact the way judiciary functions, she added.

UNI