Holding the Gavel

Democracy, as stated on the first page of our constitution, is based on the basic premise that political sovereignty ultimately belongs to the people of the nation. Independence should not be considered as an aim in itself, but rather as a means for obtaining this objective. If accountability is not taken seriously, we may see a dangerous partnership between dishonest politicians and judges that will bring democracy to an end. The unique character of the position needs autonomous treatment, which is done for the benefit of the country. Let Bench-Bar Accountability to Indian Humanity be high on the national, even constitutional, agenda. The judges themselves should take steps to develop a code of behavior. Immediately, the Bar Council of India must diligently and ingeniously draft a professional code for the Bar and advise one for the Bench, with the goal of preventing pathology. The situation of outstanding judges carrying out their tremendous responsibilities as judges suggests a high esteem on the part of the public for the judiciary, which is the reservoir of justice embodied. If there are some delinquents, there must be procedures for testing correction lest the entropy scenario pathologically expand or degrade into a widespread desire for vengeance.