Utilise services of retired judges: Fali S Nariman

New Delhi, Aug 31 (UNI) Eminent jurist Fali S Nariman today urged the government to utilise the services of retired judges of high courts and the Supreme Court as part of the legal reforms aimed at cutting delays and costs in the dispensation of justice.

Speaking at a function, where Prime Minister Manmohan Singh released his book ''India's Legal System: Can it be saved?,'' the former Solicitor General observed that the present provision for the appointment of ad hoc judges rendered retired judges the junior most.

Few retired judges came forward to take up reappointment because of this, he said and urged the government to retain the seniority of retired judges who were willing to offer their services.

Without specificially responding to the suggestion, Dr Singh said he always took Mr Nariman seriously and wanted the legal experts to adopt the same approach.

''I was struck by Mr Nariman's remarks about how the legal system should deal with those who operate with intent outside the framework of the legal system, like terrorists.

''So what do we do? He has suggested many remedies. I urge our legal experts, our administrators and human rights activists to study Mr Nariman's ideas and suggest ways in which we can improve our criminal justice system,'' the Prime Minister said.

Mr Nariman, a former Rajya Sabha member, also wanted the Law Minister to be in touch with Supreme Court judges and Chief Justices of High Courts while going ahead with legal reforms to address the several deficiencies in the legal system.

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