New Delhi: The fate of Judges (Inquiry) Amendment Bill 2008 aimed at promoting judicial transparency hangs fire as Law Ministry officials fear that a proper debate on it may not be possible in Parliament's brief session next month.
The Bill, which received the Cabinet s nod last November, was listed in the House agenda in the last session but could not be taken up.
"We could not have any debate on it in the last session," said a senior official, indicating that the Bill will have to overcome similar challenges in the next session as well, as it is a subject "that MPs may want to discuss at length".
The Bill talks about establishing a National judicial Council with powers to investigate complaints, including those on corruption and misconduct, among judiciary and recommend suitable action after following the prescribed procedure.
Ministry officials privately admit that there is going to be no time to discuss the issue in the next session. However, they said on paper not all is lost as the Bill is a property of Parliament and can be taken up even during the brief session depending upon the decision of the Chair.
But there is no denying the fact that the road ahead for the Bill is tough. "Time for discussion on it is likely to be limited in the next session but if it misses the bus this time, the onus to get it passed in the House shall shift to the next government that comes to power after the elections," an official said.
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