Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar convened the meeting on the advice of leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge to get the views of various parties before moving ahead. Sources said the general view was that though there is lack of transparency in selection of judges and a conspicuous rise in graft within the judiciary, independence should not be hampered while fixing judicial accountability.
The leaders agreed they should wait for the outcome of the probe.
The floor leaders felt they should discuss the matter within their parties to form a view and then get back to the Chairman, leader of the House JP Nadda and Kharge.
When ET contacted some Opposition leaders, they indicated the unanimity that prevailed during the passing of National Judicial Appointments Bill, 2014, may not be present today though they have issues with the collegium system of selecting judges.
Without specifically naming the NJAC Act, Dhankhar has questioned SC’s right to quash a constitutional amendment in 2015. He has clearly stated that had the legislation been in force, the March 14 incident involving the alleged cash at the residence of justice Varma would not have come to pass.Earlier in the day, Dhankhar reiterated his stand in the House and expressed concern over “rumours” floating about the incident. He mentioned his Monday meeting with Nadda and Kharg. Kharge said though he appreciated Dhankhar’s deep understanding of the judiciary and the law, consulting all parties is needed to take all on board.The meeting was attended by Congress’ Jairam Ramesh, T Siva (DMK), Jayant Chaudhary (RLD), Sukhendu Roy and Nadimul Haque (both Trinamool), John Brittas (CPM), Sanjay Raut (Sena-UBT), Sasmit Patra (BJD) among others.
