Government open to address concerns on proposed law for judges

NEW DELHI: Government is open to address the concerns raised on the proposed law for accountability in the higher judiciary and ready to make improvements in it, Law Minister Salman Khurshid said today.

"Even at this stage, after the lower house of Parliament has passed the bill, if there are any doubts, if any improvements are needed or required, we shall make it," he said, while speaking at a convention on rule of law, here.

Khurshid was responding to the remarks made by former Chief Justice of India J S Verma, who yesterday at the same forum, had expressed his resentment saying that he felt "demeaned and insulted" by the proposed Judicial Standards and Accountability Bill.

The Minister said Government was fulfilling the demand of the civil society which has pitched for radical reforms demanding that accountability must reach even the judiciary.

However, Khurshid said he cannot overlook the views of members associated with the judiciary as the Government was committed to "enlightened form of legislation" in this regard.

"I came to know about the views (on the proposed law) of someone (Justice J S Verma) for whom I have immense respect, through newspaper reports and I cannot overlook responding to his views," he said.

"We need an enlightened form of legislation, and views and suggestions from everyone are welcome," he added.