Got highest respect for judiciary and CJI, says Law Minister

Reacting to Chief Justice of India R.M. Lodha's criticsm of the government over not clearing the name of eminent lawyer Gopal Subramanium for the post of judge of the apex court, Union Law and Justice Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Wednesday said the government respects the autonomy and dignity of the judiciary.

"The Indian Government respects the autonomy and dignity of the judiciary, including the Supreme Court of India," Prasad told ANI.

"The Government has got great commitment to the very concept of the independence of judiciary, which it shall hold very dearly for all times to come," the Law Minister added.

Prasad further said that the government has the highest regard for the Chief Justice of India.

On Tuesday, R.M. Lodha expressed his displeasure over former Solicitor General Gopal Subramanium being dropped from being considered for the post of a Supreme Court judge.

"The move to segregate Gopal Subramanium's name was done unilaterally by the executive without my knowledge and consent," Lodha said.

"I will not hold my office for even a second if the independence of judiciary has been compromised," he added.

He also said that the appointment of a high constitutional position has been dealt with in 'a casual manner'.

"What is more precious to me is the institution for which I have worked as the Chief Justice of High Court, a Judge of the Supreme Court and the Chief Justice of India," he added.

Subramaniam had withdrawn his nomination for judge of the apex court after the government, citing a 'negative' CBI report, had asked the Supreme Court collegium to reconsider Subramaniam's nomination.

The government had apparently received a 'negative' report from the CBI about the lawyer who had represented the UPA Government in the 2G scam. It was also alleged that he has links with corporate lobbyist Nira Radia.