Judiciary is completely free, we are committed to its independence, says R S Prasad

Union Law and Justice Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said Friday that the judiciary is completely free and that the government is committed to maintaining its independence.

"First of all, the primacy of the judiciary is certainly there. The chief justice of India is the head and even the appointment of eminent persons, the chief is going to have a say, along with the Prime Minister of India and leader of opposition".

"We all respect the primacy and independence of judiciary, but as far as the structure of national judicial commission is concerned, it was there for more than last 24 years. So many commissions sat, so many other constitutions sat, law commission, all have recommended", he added.

"For us, the commitment to judicial independence is foremost. PM is not a part of the commission. He will only be a part to select the members. It's the culmination of an exercise in the last 24 years", added Prasad.

The Rajya Sabha on Thursday passed the landmark National Judicial Appointments Commission Bill, 2014 by a voice vote.

It was passed unanimously by the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

The Bill was passed following a detailed discussion on the government's proposal to scrap the existing collegium system for the appointment of judges in higher courts.