Judges' phones being tapped, says Kejriwal

With Prime Minister Narendra Modi listening on, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday alleged that the phones of judges were being tapped and said it was dangerous for democracy.

"I have seen widespread fear among judges of their phones being tapped. If it is true, it is dangerous and will influence the judiciary," Kejriwal said at a function to celebrate the golden jubilee of the Delhi High Court here.

The function was also attended by Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.

The Aam Aadmi Party convenor raised the issue of vacant posts in the courts and said: "SC collegium had many months back given recommendations for judicial appointments, but it's still lying with the central government."

"Vacancies in the judiciary is a matter of concern. Delay in appointments gives rise to rumours, which is not good for democracy," he said.

Speaking for the independence of judiciary, Kejriwal said: "Independence of judiciary is paramount. It has to be completely independent of the executive".

He said the intervention of executive over judiciary will hurt democracy and will lead to dictatorship.

--IANS

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