(a) whether the Bombay High Court has established a Special Investigation Department
(SID) which maintain records of the subordinate judiciary and their disposal rates,
complaints against them by litigants etc.;
(b) if so, whether the Government propose to set up similar departments for the High
Courts and Supreme Court;
(c) if so, the details thereof; and
(d) if not, reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF LAW AND JUSTICE (SHRI K. JANA KRISHNAMURTHY):
(a) to (d) Yes, Sir. Under article 235 of the Constitution of India, the administrative
control over the members of Subordinate Judicial Service vests with the concerned High
Court. Further, in exercise of powers conferred under proviso to article 309 read with
articles 233 and 234 of the Constitution, the State Government frames rules and
regulations in consultation with the High Court. Members of State Judicial Services
are governed by these rules and regulations.
In case of High Courts and the Supreme Court, Chief Justices Conference, 1999 has adopted
a 15 point Code of Ethics for Judges in this regard. However, the Government has a
proposal to set up a National Judicial Commission which will, inter-alia, draw up a code
of ethics for the judiciary. Care is taken to recruit/promote persons of integrity. Use
of information technology in Courts is being implemented to promote transparency and
easy access to information which reduces the scope for corrupt practices.