Jethmalani defends self on judges8217; appointment of jundges

As Sibal, Pranab Mukherjee and several Left MPs tried to pin Jethmalani down on his statement, he demonstrated his prowess as a lawyer, holding forth for nearly one hour punctuated by innumerableinterruptions as points of order were raised and Opposition MPs objected to his 8220;long-winded, irrelevant and repetitive8221; explanation.

The issue was raised through a special mention by Congress member Vyalar Ravi, Sanjay Nirupam Shiv Sena and Sanatan Bisi JD.

In view of the deadlock, Jethmalani said he favoured setting up of a National Judicial Commission a point included in the government8217;s National Agenda to deal with such situations. He also clarified that he had made the remarks in his personal capacity. Every member, including a minister, was free to express his personal views unless a collective decision had been taken by the Cabinet, he added.