Independence of the judiciary is non-negotiable: CJI

Chief Justice of India R M Lodha today asserted that independence of judiciary is "non-negotiable" and has the inherent strength to foil any attempt to interfere with that.

The CJI's remarks were made against the backdrop of ending the collegium system of higher judicial appointments, but he did not make any direct reference to the law passed by Parliament in this regard.

Judicial independence is essential to maintain public confidence that an institution exists which would come to their "aid and rescue in case of any wrong committed by the Executive or anyone," he said addressing a seminar on 'Rule of Law Convention -2014'.

The CJI called upon the legal fraternity to keep away those who "play tricks to taint the judiciary," adding that any form of corruption in the judiciary "shield(s) impurity which is the worst form of aliment in thriving democracy."

"I won't speak on the issue (the Bill) but I would like to touch upon the issue of independence of the judiciary which is very dear to me. It is one thing which is non-negotiable," Justice Lodha, who is demitting office as CJI on September 27, said.