CVC to be given statutory powers again 8212; Jethmalani

The minister said that since the CVC was the nodal body handling corruption cases in the government, it was imperative that its statutory powers be restored immediately to ensure it functioned effectively and the cases lying before it could be investigated properly.

Jethmalani said that as Law Minister hewould also do his best to expedite the investigation into the Bofors case to its logical conclusion. 8220;I have been informed that the last set of documents from Geneva are expected soon pending the disposal of the final appeal before the Swiss Federal Courts8230; if need be the ministry would pursue with the Swiss authorities the quick release of these papers.8221; The Law Ministry plays a key role in whetting chargesheets and recommending sanction for prosecution against accused in corruption cases.

The minister also announced that the government would soon initiate the process to fill up all the vacancies of judges in various High Courts and a vacancy in the Supreme Court.

He said he was in favour of enacting an ordinance on electoral reforms before the coming Lok Sabha elections if there was consensus among the political parties. The Law Commission had submitted its report on electoral reforms to the minister on Wednesday and a copy of the report has been forwarded to the Union Home Ministry.

8220;We willformulate our opinion very soon on the recommendations of the Law Commission, and if Opposition parties agree, we may bring an ordinance even before next election,8221; Jethmalani said.

Observing that the criminal justice system was in shambles and needed to be revamped completely, the Law Minister said that his priority would be to improve the prosecution system by enhancing the emoluments and qualifications of prosecutor. It was also important to dispense more intensive training and experience to magistrates about conducting trials, he said, adding that he favoured at least 15 years legal practice and not the present 3 years before entry into the judicial service.

The government, he said, was committed to the creation of a National Judicial Commission with powers of appointment, transfer and removal of judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts. But this was not possible since this would require a constitutional amendment which was not possible now.

On the appointment of judges, Jethmalani pointedout that while the final word must be of the judiciary itself, the role of the Law Ministry should not be under-rated. 8220;I venture to think that our contribution will be effective and substantial,8221; he said.

Stating that merit would be the only criterion for entry to High Courts from lower judiciary, he said that 8220;judges who have failed to gain the ear and eye of the competent judicial heads can forward to me four of the best judgements they have delivered, one each in civil, criminal, in favour of citizens and other way round. I may help to secure entry into the consultative process.8221;