Governance must not be interfered with: Sharma

There is a clear demarcation of power and functions between the executive and the judiciary. That sanctity must be respected. We may have issues,which do cause concern,but established system of governance and day-to-day administration and functioning per se must not be interfered with unless and until there are exigencies and compelling circumstances, Sharma told The Indian Express when asked for his views on the Supreme Court ruling that civil servants must seek written orders from their superiors and not act on mere verbal orders from the political executive.

I have the highest respect for the judiciary but at the same time there has to be equal respect for the legislature and the executive,which represents the elected leadership that is accountable to people through Parliament. What actually is required in the country is meaningful administrative reforms and credible reforms of the criminal justice system to ensure that governance is effective and justice affordable, said the minister.

Stating that the country urgently needs comprehensive judicial reforms,he said: Justice must be accessible and affordable for the weaker sections of the society,and real efforts need to be made to cut the delay and bring down huge pendency of matters in courts at all the levels, said Sharma.