Kerala judicial body condemns 'judge bashing'

A body of judicial officers in Kerala today condemned "judge bashing" by some "undesirable elements" and said the "assault" on judges in subordinate courts has "undermined" the dignity of judiciary in the state.
"'Judge bashing' has now become the favourite pastime of some and the judicial officers are not in a position to retort to the allegations made against them.
"some undesirable elements are coming up with statements which would in future prevent officers from functioning without fear," the Kerala Judicial Officers' Association said in a release here.
The Association's statement comes in wake of mounting attacks against N V Raju, Chief judicial magistrate of Kasaragode, who is facing disciplinary proceedings in the multi-crore-rupee solar scam, by political leaders and social activists using the visual and print media.

The Kerala High Court has issued a memo of charges to Raju, former Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (Economic offences) court here, for alleged procedural lapses in recording the statements of solar scam accused Saritha S Nair.
"Recent statements in the visual and print media claiming to be made in public interest has resulted in mudslinging on the functioning of judicial officers in the State, and is noted with grave concern by the Kerala Judicial Officers' Association," the statement said.
"The Kerala Judicial Officers' Association, with the intention to save the dignity and honour of the judiciary, very strongly condemns such unsubstantiated and factually incorrect statements made against some judicial officers," it said.