Parliamentary Committee asked for change in Judges' selection proces

Jaipur, Jul 1 (UNI) The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Law and Justice, Personnel and Public Grievances has stressed the need for change in the process of appointments of Judges in the Supreme Court and the High Courts and is likely to submit its recommendation over the issue soon.

Addressing a press conference here today, committee chairman EM Sudarsana Natchiappan said that prior to 1993, the appointment of judges to the Apex Court and the High Courts were made by the President after a process of selection and recommendation involving the executive and the respective High Courts and/or the Supreme court Chief Justices.

However, from 1993 onwards the process had been changed and presently the appointments were made by the President on recommendation and selection solely by the collegium of judges of the respective High Court and/or the Supreme Court.

He said that the current procedure of appointments had received criticism in the wake of complaints and allegations of appointment of some tainted lawyers or instances of ''undue favours''.

''In addition to decisive role of the High Courts and Supreme Court, the role of executive and the bar bodies should also be involved in the process, Mr Natchiappan said.

He said that his committee was presently examining the issue and would submit its report before Parliament after completion of the process with due consultations, interaction with all concerned.

His committee was also examining the proposed Judges Inquiry Bill, for initiating action against a judge in corruption charges, and would submit its report in due course, Mr Natchiappan said.

The five member committee was presently on its study visit to Rajasthan since June 30.

UNI