Justice Kurian Joseph of the Supreme Court has stressed the need for enhancing the quality of criminal jurisprudence system in the country. Addressing a conference of bar councils of south India here on Sunday, Mr. Joseph suggested that lawyers have five years of practice in lower courts before arguing cases in High Courts. He also suggested five years of experience in High Courts as basic eligibility for practising in the Supreme Court.
He said speedy disposal of litigations and ensuring justice to the needy depended on the professional competence of lawyers. Lawyers must acquire more knowledge and gain competence to enhance the overall quality of the judicial system in the country, he said. Mr. Joseph also suggested the formation of a committee with retired Supreme Court judges to handle appeals on disciplinary actions initiated by bar councils.
Representatives of the bar councils of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh voiced their demand to immediately implement the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill. The conference also demanded steps to ensure accountability of judges post retirement and setting up of a lawyers’ welfare fund.
