Best are not becoming judges: Arun Jaitley

Pressing for the setting up of a National Judicial Commission for appointments in higher judiciary, BJP leader Arun Jaitley said the quality of judges has to be improved as "the best are not becoming judges".

The Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha also alleged CBI was functioning in a "terrible manner" and said there was merit in demands for a strong Lokpal even as there were fears over sharing of powers with an extra-constitutional authority.

"India needs more judges. We have to increase our investment in that... Quality of people we induct in judicial system has to be improved. The best are not becoming judges. Appointment of judges, particularly to higher judiciary and their accountability is an extremely slow mechanism," he said.

On appointment of judges, he said it is done through a "Constitutional interpretation that judges appoint judges", which though is better but "not an ideal system".

"You need a National Judicial Commission which may have a primacy of judges and participation of the executive, which needs through a collegium, at least one or two eminent citizens, who not only appoint but also keep a vigil on them," Jaitley said.

On bringing judicial reforms, he said "A greater vigil on those who judge others will also have to be brought in as part of the judicial reform itself."

The BJP leader also stressed on cutting short the procedures to reduce burdens on the courts.

Appreciating the functioning of constitutional bodies like CAG and PAC, he attacked CBI for its functioning.

"CAG and PAC have conventionally functioned well. CBI is functioning in a terrible manner. I have no faith left in that institution. It has become an organ of the ruling party and we have to re-establish its credential as a premier investigative agency," he said.

On Lokpal, Jaitley said the body has to be independent and strong and should act as a deterrent for the tainted persons.

... contd.

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