The Judges (Inquiry) Bill will come up for Cabinet approval on Thursday. ?We are taking it to the Cabinet in the next meeting and introduce it in the Parliament in the winter session,? Union law and justice minister M Veerappa Moily told FE last week.
In the wake of ongoing efforts of UPA government to introduce reforms in Indian judiciary, the proposed Bill aims at making the judiciary more transparent and accountable. With the introduction of this new Bill, the law ministry aims to replace the Judges Inquiry Act of 1968, which deals solely with impeachment procedures.
The new Bill proposes to establish a National Judicial Council (NJC) to take actions against High Court and Supreme Court judges for misconduct.
The NJC will investigate complaints submitted by any person, or upon receiving a reference from Parliament based on a motion moved by 50 Rajya Sabha or 100 Lok Sabha MPs. If the allegations are proven, the NJC may impose minor measures or recommend the removal of the judge, which is done through impeachment by Parliament.
The Bill has received mixed response from the members of government and legal fraternity in the past. However, this time around, the law minister is confident that this comprehensive piece of legislation will be acceptable to all stake holders.