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The judges were unfailingly courteous but yet very correct in every way. I
was particularly struck by their commitment to the avoidance of any
suggestion of a conflict of interest in a matter before them, often
disqualifying themselves from hearing matters in which they may have
even the slightest conflict of interest.
Naturally this often led to delays, it being rather difficult to reconstitute
benches in such a small jurisdiction. But the cardinal principle that justice
must not only be done but must also be seen to be done, over-rides other
considerations. In that jurisdiction judging was a serious business indeed.
position that since he had reached high judicial office in Sri Lanka, it would
be improper for him to apply for a similar post in another country and that
the correct thing to do was to invite him.
Obviously times have now changed. Such correctness, when the
assignment overseas promises a larger pay in a hard currency, will seem
painfully old-fashioned today. In the years since, several of those wielding
judicial powers in this country have compromised for far less. And when the
judicial centre cannot hold, things do fall apart.
Basis, principles and philosophy of judging
The unravelling saga of the controversial Chief Justice Mohan Peiris has
brought into focus in a most troubling manner the basis, the principles and
the philosophy of judging.
More than an executive president, more than a legislator, more than any
administrator, it is the judges who define the spirit of democracy, give
meaning to our freedoms and set the tone for the rule of law. Their burden
is heavy. As succinctly described in our Constitution, the judicial power of
the people shall be exercised by Parliament through Courts. When the
judges are errant, the judicial power of the people is betrayed sorely.
A judge not only adjudicates on conflicts in the nature of man versus man
but also between man and the State. The State is not some divine being
beyond our scrutiny. It is made up of real men who like everybody else may
sometimes commit crime, break laws, abuse powers, take and give bribes
and inducements, subvert justice, act foolishly or deviously.
Acting under the cover of State power they may well be promoting hidden
political and personal agendas. We the people look to the courts for
protection not only from transgressions of fellow men but also from those in
control of the State apparatus.
In countries with traditionally strong judiciaries, the selecting of a judge,
especially to the superior courts is a complex and value based process. To
the higher judiciary, there is no tradition of canvassing. It is not an
appointment given to a loyalist or friend. Not only learning and experience
but even personal qualities such as an independent spirit, impartiality, fair
mindedness coupled with openness to new ideas are essential qualities for
a good judge.
The rise of Mohan Peiris
It is no secret that Mohan Peiris was closely associated with Gotabaya
all judicial ethics, at least as applicable to him. That mid-night visit by the
Chief Justice was an unbelievable act of impropriety on the part of a judge.
Suffice it to say that a judge is not a creature of his appointing authority.
Through the centuries, judges, honourable and true, have endeavoured to
give meaning to the concepts of impartiality and integrity. Some judges
have paid a heavy price for their principled stand.
When a judge sits on the bench he does not exercise a power given by a
Rajapaksa. He is exercising the judicial power of the 21 million people of
this country. It is not the blemished career of one man that matters. Let not
the sovereignty and the judicial powers of that 21 million be compromised
for a petty career of one man.
(The writer is an Attorney-at-Law and a freelance writer.)
Posted by Thavam