Change system of appointing judges, says Ram Jethmalani

Speaking at function organised by Rasthriya Nava Nirmana Vedike on the occasion of the 84th birth anniversary of former chief minister Ramakrishna Hedge, Ram Jethmalani said changing the manner in which judges are appointed would go a long way in improving the political culture in the country.

He said an independent national judiciary commission with the prime minister, leaders of the opposition, representatives of the bar and also the public as its members need to be constituted to take all decisions with regard to appointment of judges.

Jethmalani, a one-time family lawyer of Hedge and also his cabinet colleague in the NDA government, said Hedge was a visionary who stood for upholding value based politics and democratic institutions.

Speaking on the occasion, Law Minister Suresh Kumar said foul mouthing each other had become a norm in politics of the day.

There was a dearth of efficient and honest political leaders for the youth who could emulate them as their role models.

He termed it unfortunate that political parties, while issuing tickets during elections, considered only the winnability of the candidates rather than their character.