Four retired judges of the Supreme Court and 17 ex-high court judges have collectively written a letter to the Chief Justice of India, expressing concern over alleged attempts to undermine the judiciary. The letter comes shortly after over 600 lawyers had raised similar concerns about pressures on the judiciary. The retired judges, including Deepak Verma, Krishna Murari, Dinesh Maheshwari, and M R Shah, have brought to the CJI’s attention the calculated efforts by certain factions to erode public confidence in the judicial system. They highlight the use of pressure, misinformation, and public disparagement as tools employed by groups motivated by narrow political interests and personal gains. These actions, according to the retired judges, disrespect the sanctity of the judicial system and pose a direct challenge to the principles of fairness and impartiality. The retired judges are particularly troubled by the tactics of misinformation and the orchestration of public sentiment against the judiciary. They emphasize that such behavior is not only unethical but also detrimental to the foundational principles of democracy. The retired judges observe a clear attempt to sway judicial processes by casting doubts on the integrity of the courts and judges. They note that these actions are particularly evident in cases of social, economic, and political significance. The former judges express concern over the blurring of lines between advocacy and maneuvering, which undermines judicial independence. The retired judges caution against selectively praising judicial decisions that align with specific views while vehemently criticizing those that do not, as such actions undermine the essence of judicial review and the rule of law. In conclusion, the retired judges call on the judiciary to fortify itself against these pressures and ensure the preservation of the sanctity and autonomy of the legal system. They stress the importance of the judiciary remaining immune to the whims and fancies of transient political interests and offer their solidarity and support in upholding the dignity, integrity, and impartiality of the judiciary.
Efforts underway to undermine judiciary, claim retired judges seeking CJI intervention
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