Judicial independence bars govt from interfering in judges’ observations: Meghwal

Bhubaneswar: Union law minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on Tuesday said judicial independence bars the govt from intervening in “running commentary” by judges while hearing cases. He was responding to media queries on the controversy triggered by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant’s “cockroach” remark that led to the viral satirical online movement — Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).Meghwal said the independence of the judiciary is a core feature of the Constitution, and the govt does not issue directions to courts. “The Constitution does not permit us to direct the judiciary in any matter,” Meghwal said.He said during hearings in the Supreme Court or high courts, arguments are exchanged and judges make observations, which in legal terms are referred to as “running commentary”. “How much observation should be made, or not made, is for the judiciary to decide,” the minister added.Terming the emergence of CJP as a social media-driven issue, Meghwal said it was essentially a political matter that does not warrant further comment. Referring to the controversy, he said the Chief Justice had already clarified his remarks made in the context of fake degree holders among advocates and in medical education and in various other fields. “We should be satisfied with the clarification,” he said.Addressing a joint press conference with Odisha chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi on the 12 years of the Narendra Modi govt at the Centre, Meghwal said the govt has brought speed and scale to governance to align with people’s aspirations and accelerate the country’s growth.Citing the “12 Years of Seva” period, Meghwal said several colonial-era laws have been reformed to make them more modern, transparent and citizen-centric. He added that initiatives such as e-Courts have made the justice delivery system more efficient, accessible and time-bound, benefiting ordinary citizens.Meghwal, meanwhile, didn’t rule out the setting up of a bench of Orissa high court in western Odisha, saying if a proposal comes as per procedure and guidelines recommended by the Jaswant Singh Commission, the same would be examined.