Sir — This refers to the editorial, “Hitting nail on the head” (April 7). The Prime Minister’s plain-speak to the judges is relevant and highly welcome. The executive, the legislature and the judiciary are important arms of democracy, and their co-existence is vital for the people.
All have important duties to discharge, and should complement one another. When they fail to do so, the missing link should be filled. When the first two arms fail to meet people’s aspirations, the common man looks to the judiciary. But if the judiciary errs, people are at a loss for answers. There is no denying that the judiciary is no more the revered institution it once was, though some of its path-breaking verdicts are moments to savour.
The precious time of the courts is wasted by arm-twisting tactics of many, whom Mr Narendra Modi has subtly termed “five-star activists”. Inherent loopholes in the judicial system are cleverly exploited by vested interests, and this results in the dragging of cases for years together.
The Government’s decision-making process is often crippled by the law. Though some influential people have been at the receiving end of judiciary’s long arm, the people’s perception about very important persons’ ability to dodge the law and escape from its clutches, exists.
There are reasons to believe that on many occasions, judgements have been guided by the personal philosophy of judges rather than on ground realities. When this interpretation of the judiciary changes, it can be said to have truly come of age. It is more important for the country to have honest judges rather than proactive judges. The Prime Minister’s speech meant all this without actually saying it in black and white.