MADURAI, Aug 17 � The All India Bar Council today opposed the proposed National Judicial Commission Bill, saying it amounts to political �interference� in the appointment and functioning of judges.
�Seventy lakh lawyers are opposed to the Bill as it means outside interference in the Judiciary. We will not tolerate the Bill as it will weaken and pollute the Judiciary,� Council Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra said. Mishra said any flaws in the present collegium system could be debated by organising seminars and workshops by inviting retired judges and senior advocates, and the defects rectified by implementing their suggestions.
A Bill to constitute a National Judicial Commission is before Parliament. Its composition is somewhat traditional and a marginal improvement on the present protocol with the Chief Justice as Chairperson, two senior-most judges of the Supreme Court, Union Minister of Law and Justice and one eminent citizen to be nominated by the President in consultation with the Prime Minister being the other members. � PTI
