Source – thehindu.com<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The landmark judgement delivered by the Supreme Court on Wednesday bringing the Chief Justice of India\u2019s (CJI) office under the Right to Information (RTI) Act has former CJIs and former judges divided. While some say it brings in more transparency others are \u2018sceptical about the repercussions\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Former CJI T.S. Thakur said, \u201cThe judges themselves are saying they are transparent. I am sure all that \u2018misuse and abuse\u2019 subjected to thishave been considered while delivering the judgement. After all what will you ask the CJI? \u2018Where did you go, what did you eat? How did you write this judgement?\u2019 What difference will it make? Everything is already in public domain. If you ask you will get an answer according to the record. The office of the judge is not a matter of security of State.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Former CJI M.N. Venkatachaliah welcomed the verdict. \u201cThis is a good one. I am happy about it. The SC is not infallible.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Former Delhi High Court judge Vikramjit Sen who had upheld that the SC and the CJI have statutory duty to furnish information sought by citizens regarding the functioning and administration of the SC, said, \u201cIt is a good judgement, a landmark one.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, former CJI K.G. Balakrishnan said he is sceptical about it. \u201cLet\u2019s see the consequences. Everything is already out in the media and RTI.\u201d Mr. Balakrishnan referred to the lawyers\u2019 strike in Odisha, who have boycotted the CJ\u2019s court, and said, \u201cI am \u2018sceptical\u2019 about the decision\u2019s repercussions.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Former CJI R.M. Lodha also backed Mr. Balakrishnan\u2019s anxiety. \u201cThis will bring in transparency, but there are certain aspects which when in public domain may be problematic. Like the appointments or complaints that are made. Some of them may be scandalous which may jeopardise the chances of a candidate.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Former Bombay High Court judge V.M. Kanade also said overall the judgement does no harm but there should be exceptions. \u201cIt is a good move. But there are certain issues where they can make an exception in respect of administrative matters and some matters where the opinion of CJI becomes personal. In the administration of judiciary, there are so many issues which cannot come before the public, particularly the collegium. Sensitive issues like one\u2019s personal life should be excluded from the ambit,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n