Lawyers' body writes to PM, CJI for reforms in judiciary

A lawyers' body has written to Prime Minister Narender Modi and Chief Justice of India H L Dattu seeking reforms in the legal system in the country.
All India Bar Association (AIBA) chairperson Adish C Aggarwala, in his letter, has suggested financial independence of the judiciary at all levels and urged them not to nominate any lawyer or any relative of a judge and practicing lawyers in the National Judicial Appointments Commissions (NJAC).
"There should be proportionate representation, on the basis of population, of all states in the Supreme Court," Aggarwala said in his letter.
He also suggested that the retirement age of the judges should be increased in all the courts.

"The retirement age of the judges of the Supreme Court should be increased from 65 years to 68 years. For judges of the high courts, it should be increased from 62 to 65 years. For the judges of the district courts, the retirement age should be 62 years," AIBA chairperson said.
The letter also said that the system of appointing Chief Justice of any particular High Court from another state should be put to an end.

"It has been observed that the Chief Justices of High Courts coming from other states do not make just and proper administrative decisions as they are usually unaware of the local and social affairs of the Bar, and of the ability and reputation of the local lawyers.

"They have to be totally reliant on the local judges of the particular High Court," it said.
The letter also said that the court proceedings should be videographed and there should be live broadcast of proceedings of all courts on the website of that court.