CJI : No Comment On NJC Bill

New Delhi, Nov 9 (UNI) Chief Justice Y K Sabharwal tonight declined to comment on a draft bill cleared by the union cabinet to bring transparency in the working of the higher judiciary.

''No comment,'' was how Justice Sabharwal finally responded to journalists as he emerged from a national colloquium addressed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the Parliament House annexe.

Asked to comment on the cabinet move, Justice Sabharwal countered if he was seriously expected to react to something Parliament was yet to discuss.

The Judges (Inquiry) Bill, 2006 proposes establishment of a National Judicial Council ''to bring transparency in the functioning of the judiciary and also enhance its prestige,'' informed sources said.

They said the proposed Council would deal with complaints of deviant behaviour against High Court and Supreme Court judges, ''giving effect'' to recommendations the Law Commission made in its 195th Report.

The Council is to consist of the Chief Justice of India, two senior most Supreme Court Judges to be nominated by the CJI, two High Court Chief Justices to be nominated by the CJI irrespective of their seniority.

Complaints or references against Supreme Court Judges will be dealt with by a Council consisting of the CJI and the four senior-most Supreme Court Judges to be nominated by the CJI, sources said.

A Cabinet spokesman told reporters the Bill would be introduced in the winter session of Parliament beginning on November 22.

He said all stakeholders would be consulted before the passage of the Bill, which was likely to be referred to a Parliamentary Standing Committee.

Experts have acknowledged that the existing law for impeachment of a Supreme Court Judge in Parliament has not worked.

Accountability of the lower judiciary is taken care of by the respective High Courts.

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