No plan to appoint ombudsman to look into complaints against judges: Govt

The government today said it has no plans to appoint an ombudsman to look into complaints against judges of the Supreme Court and the high courts, saying such issues are handled by an 'in-house' mechanism adopted by the judiciary.
Minister of State for Law P P Chaudhary told the Lok Sabha in a written reply that "there is no proposal for appointment of ombudsman".
He said complaints received against judges of the apex court and the 24 high courts are at present addressed through the 'in-house' mechanism of the Supreme Court.
Under the mechanism, the chief justice of India can receive complaints against judges of the apex court and chief justice of the high courts. The chief justices of the high courts can receive complaints against judges of their respective courts.

Responding to another question, Chaudhary said the government has "no information" to show that "the judicial system is working under any pressure".
He said the judiciary is independent and is fully empowered and capable of handling all its matters.
Chaudhary was asked about the recent controversy where top four judges of the Supreme Court had virtually rebelled against CJI Dipak Misra.