The gag orders issued by the Supreme Court to the media not to publish anything said by Justice Karnan exposes the woefully inadequate disciplinary and administrative powers in the hands of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) to act against other judges. Perhaps those who framed the Constitution did not foresee such a scenario. Justice Karnan, fully aware of the inadequacy of such rules and procedures, resorted to his own pronouncements, bringing down the reputation of the judiciary. The Constitution Bench headed by CJI, which handed down the order on Justice Karnan, has been cautious in dealing with the case. However, there is now a necessity for empowering the CJI with greater administrative and disciplinary powers to act against other judges. Impeachment, a lengthy and complex procedure to remove a judge, should only be a last resort.
Suryanarayanan S.,
Chennai
