Disheartening

The article A Calcutta Scandal by Ashok Desai (May 6) makes very painful reading of the manner in which an honourable high court judge conducted himself and apparently misused his power and authority. One has been reading several stories of corrupt practices in almost all departments of government and offices of local civic bodies. But one is still not prepared to question the moral character and integrity of a high court judge. It is true that judges must be independent and free from influence on account of superintendence by any higher authority. That is the edifice of any sound judicial system.

 

These days when the common mans faith in politicians and administration is fast eroding, judicial activism has acquired greater significance. Even political leaders look to the judiciary for justice when charged with misuse of power.

One can only hope that the judiciary will find some mechanism to correct an erring judge at an early stage of his career, even though such cases may be exceptional. The fact that an honourable judges moral turpitude remains unchecked for more than a decade is a matter of serious concern.