All India Bar Association opposes governor posts for former judges

A Subramani, TNN | Jul 29, 2014, 04.24PM IST

CHENNAI: The All India Bar Association (AIBA) has opposed the move to appoint former judges of the Supreme Court to political offices such as governor posts. 

Decrying former judges lobbying for political positions and referring to media reports that former Chief Justice of India P Sathasivam, who retired in April this year, is being considered for the gubernatorial assignment, AIBA chairman and senior advocate Adish C Aggarwala wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying such "unprecedented proposal has created anxiety in the minds of jurists, lawyers and judges alike." 

He said neither the former CJI nor the government had clarified the issue thus far.

Ex-judges could be considered only for judicial offices such as Lok Pal and National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), AIBA said, adding that such adjudicatory functions would be befitting the stature of judges, more so because the appointment would be apolitical and not at the pleasure of the government. 

As for Justice Sathasiam, his vast experience on the judicial side could be so utilized for "common good," Aggarwala said. 

"Justice Sathasivam has also publicly declared that he is open to accepting any position befitting the stature of a former CJI, including the chairmanship of National Human Rights Commission or Lok Pal if the new government makes an offer," the AIBA representation said. 

However, the association welcomed the reported move to appoint senior advocates Soli Sorabjee and M N Krishnamani as governors saying they were doyens of the legal profession and known for their acumen and high standard of ethics.