Judicial Independence Prerequisite To Rule Of Law; Advocates Throwing Mud On Judges Attacking Institution And Themselves: Madras HC

“Judicial independence is defined as a pre-requisite to the rule of law and a fundamental guarantee of fair proceedings”, observed Justice B. Pugalendhi. Setting aside the acquittal of the management of certain granite firms (in connection with their accusation for illegal quarrying of granite in Madurai worth crores of rupees) and remanding the matter for fresh trial, the Single Bench remarked that a Judge shall exercise the judicial function independently on the basis of the Judge’s assessment of the facts and in accordance with a conscientious understanding of the law, free of any extraneous influences, inducements, pressures, threats or interference, direct or indirect, from any quarter or for any reason.