Truth, transparency, Pg 6

Key Highlights

Judicial Probe and Transparency

• CJI Sanjiv Khanna initiated in-house inquiry into Justice Yashwant Varma’s alleged misconduct involving recovery of burnt currency notes.
• Inquiry led by Chief Justices from Delhi, Punjab, Himachal, and Karnataka HCs.

Steps Taken

• Judicial work allocation withdrawn from the judge.
• Transparency shown through public statements and documentation, indicating a shift towards openness.

Systemic Issues and Concerns

• Questions raised on probe mechanism’s adequacy.
• FIR cannot be registered against a judge without CJI’s permission—shows limits of police/judicial coordination.
• Fire Services' initial denial and retraction added to confusion.

Analysis & Way Forward

• While the judiciary showed welcome transparency, deeper institutional reforms are needed.
• Judicial accountability mechanisms must be independent yet fair, ensuring protection from misuse while upholding public trust.

Mains Mock Question:

Do you think current mechanisms for judicial accountability in India strike the right balance between transparency and independence? Discuss with recent examples.