Democracy won’t survive until independence of judiciary is preserved: Justice Chelameswar

First time in the history of independent India, four sitting Supreme Court judges held a press conference on Friday, expressing concern over disorder in the apex court administration.

Supreme Court Judges Kurian Joseph, J.Chelameswar, Ranjan Gogoi and Madan Lokur addressed the media in the national capital.

Justice Chelameswar, without mincing his words, said that they are worried due to the SC administration not in order and if the same trend continues then the democracy will not survive.

They said they were left with no choice but to address the nation.

“We met CJI Misra with a specific request which unfortunately couldn’t convince him that we were right therefore, we were left with no choice except to communicate it to the nation that please take care of the institution,” said JusticeChelameswar.

“We collectively tried to persuade the CJI that certain things aren’t in order, so take remedial measures but unfortunately our efforts failed,” Justice J.Chelameswar added.

The judges told that the letter, submitted to the CJI, will be soon provided to the media.

Justice Ranjan Gogoi said, “There is an issue of assignment of a case which is raised in that letter (to the CJI).”

On being asked further if it was about CBI Judge BH Loya, Justice Gogoi said yes.

On being asked about if the CJI should be impeached, Justice Chelameswar replied, “Let the nation decide that.”

Independence of the judiciary is non-negotiable and any move taken in the opposite direction is bound to kill the democracy.