It refers to unprecedented swift order passed by a full bench of all the eleven judges of Patna High Court debarring Justice Rakesh Kumar from hearing any case including the part-heard ones because of his being harsh in commenting on corruption in lower judiciary, and even commenting adversely on higher judiciary also. His pro-public comments on extra-ordinary facilities including like huge funds spent on renovation and maintenance of official bungalows of judges are also noteworthy wherein he commented that judges are more indulged in enjoying facilities rather than discharging their duties.
His comments extended even to judges of other High Courts where he mentioned about a senior judge of Allahabad High Court having managed to get her wife nominated in Rajya Sabha. It is satisfying that Joint Secretary of Patna High Court Lawyers Association has come in open support to Justice Rakesh Kumar by commenting that the judge has done so to save an independent judiciary and to strengthen a strong, fearless and fair judiciary, narrating what the common man experiences and feels.
It is noteworthy that even Supreme Court judges unanimously gifted post-retirement life-time domestic help at government-expense for themselves and their spouses. Time has come when even the highest ones in legislature and judiciary should get pay, perks and post-retirement benefits equivalent to top-most bureaucrat of the country. Even in richest democracy of the world, US President gets just half of last drawn salary as the only post-retirement benefit.
SUBHASH CHANDRA AGRAWAL