Judge pitches for role of SC, women in selection of judges

Social justice cannot be achieved in the judiciary unless representatives from scheduled communities, women and minorities are involved in the process of selection of judges, Madras High court Judge D Hariparanthaman said today.
The judge, who retired today, said apart from the three- judge collegiums for selection of judges, "it is essential to have the above organs in the selection process".
At his farewell function, he said that both his swearing in seven years ago and retirement have seen the legal fraternity undergoing difficulties, a reference to the clash between police and advocates in 2009 and the recent suspension of lawyers.

Asserting that the suspension was without any formal enquiry by the Bar Council of India, the judge said, "Let the action be based on the ongoing inquiry."
With the retirement of Justice Hariparanthaman, the total strength of judges in Madras High Court now has come down to 34, which is less than half the mark of total sanctioned strength of 75.