Judicial Council to probe complaints against judges

New Delhi, Oct 8 (UNI) The Government today approved setting up of a National Judicial Council to investigate complaints against the judges of the higher judiciary and recommend suitable action after following the prescribed procedure.

A Bill in this regard will be introduced in Parliament, Finance Minister P Chidambaram said after the Cabinet meeting that gave the approval.

The new Bill, Judges (Inquiry) Amendment Bill, 2008, will replace the Judges (Inquiry) Bill, 2006, introduced in the Lok Sabha on December 19, 2006.

The Cabinet also approved amendments to Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968, which deals with the impeachment proceedings.

The withdrawal of the Bill would be in consonance with the recommendations made by the Parliamentary Standing Committee contained in its Report on the Judges (Inquiry) Bill, 2006.

''The provisions of the new Bill would bring transparency in the functioning of the judiciary and would also enhance its prestige,'' Mr Chidambaram said.

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