Ex-CJI wants RTI immunity for info on judges

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of an event at the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Justice Babu said as a public authority, the CJI discharges several functions including selection of judges after gathering information from various sources and it was not possible to disclose this information.

“I am of the view that there are certain areas that should not be made available to the general public. It is not necessary,” he said.

Revelation of information gathered by the CJI at various levels could not be subjected to RTI as it would amount to ‘throwing them to the wolves,’ he said. “If you bring them under the control of some other authority, how will the independence of judiciary be maintained?” Justice Babu asked.

However, he welcomed public scrutiny of the judiciary. “Public scrutiny is good. Let the judges be under scrutiny. That by itself will not affect the independence of judges,” he said. He said it was important how a judge conducted himself in court.

“Better if there is peer control; better if there is professional control. The Judge must command the respect of colleagues, respect of profession. He must be a good Judge, he need not be a popular Judge.”