This Article is From Nov 27, 2010

'Rot' in Allahabad High Court: Law Minister promises action

New Delhi: Several questions have emerged a day after the Supreme Court said that there were lots of complaints about the functioning of the Allahabad High Court and that 'something was rotten in the Allahabad High Court'.

The top court also said there were a lot of complaints about the integrity of some of the judges of the high court basically what's known as the Uncle Judge Syndrome.

NDTV has learnt that of the 51 judges on the Allahabad bench the sons and daughters of at least 9 judges are practising lawyers in the same Court.

The Supreme Court says within a few years of practice the relatives of judges become multi-millionaires though the Court made it clear not all lawyers having close relations with Judges are misusing the relationship.

The government says it's worried.

"The government is seriously concerned about the issue. And after discussions the government will take whatever steps are necessary for greater accountability in the judiciary," said Law Minister Veerappa Moily. 

"We should pick only those members from the bar for elevation who have made their goodwill of a true professional, as advocate," cautioned K Yog, Retired Judge, Allahabad High Court.

But experts from the legal fraternity point out, that it also expresses the Court's helplessness as there is no effective mechanism to deal with the problem.

"I mean the maximum that one can do is impeach them, and the transfers are also according to procedure and take place in their own due course of time," said Rajiv Dhawan, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court.

 The Supreme Court has said the Allahabad High Court really needs some house cleaning. It has also asked the High Court Chief Justice to take strong measures.

The Chief Justice of India may have assured that during his tenure good judges will be appointed but even he admits he has a lot of cleaning work to do.

 
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