By Andalib Akhter, TwoCircles.net
New Delhi: Union Law Minister M Veerappa Moily on Friday said that it was desirable that judges should not pass a ruling or observation that could create disharmony and disenchantment in the society. Moily was speaking at ‘meet the press’ organised by Press Association of India here today.
To a question raised by TwoCircles.net on the occasional rulings by lower and higher courts on the issues of sporting beard, wearing scarf or Burqa or having turban, that create disharmony and resentment in the society, the minister said: ‘The government can not dictate the judges but expect them that their rulings do not create problem in the society”. He said that judges should themselves take extra care on these issues that could create disharmony and ill will in the society.
He said that it is the duty of judiciary to see that the social harmony and social justice in the country should not be disturbed in the society.
Moily also declared that a bill would be introduced soon in Parliament to make sure that judges declare their assets and liabilities. “The government will introduce legislation on the disclosure of assets and liabilities by judges. The judges are going to disclose their assets and liabilities”, he said adding that legislation is being drafted and discussions are going on with judiciary in the direction. “The legislation would be introduced in the Budget session of parliament”, he declared.
He said that government was also making a roadmap to reduce the burden of cases on the judicial system.
He revealed that 50,613 cases were pending in the Supreme Court, 38 lakh in the different High courts and nearly 2.64 crore in district courts. The worst High Court in terms of pending cases were Allahabad High Court followed by Patna and Madras, said Moily. End