Reining in errant judges

The Supreme Court must rein in Justice Karnan, who has played ducks and drakes with the judicial system. In mocking the judiciary the judge, who was with the Madras HC and is now attempting to derail the order transferring him to the Calcutta HC, has wrought serious damage to the reputation of the highest courts and defies the very methodology of appointments and transfers. His action in ducking the transfer amounts to insubordination. However, the issue is to be seen as defiance of authority, and a transfer would merely be expedient, and not disciplinary. The case of Justice Karnan raises the question of how the system must act to get rid of such elements.

The cavalier manner in which he treated his transfer by staying the recommendation of the CJI is just another act of his in a long list of unacceptable aberrations in the name of fighting caste prejudices. If he has grievances on this count he has every right to approach the National Commission for SCs/STs, but he cannot play the caste card to drag out judgements by reserving verdicts and not delivering, as he has been known to. By playing the caste card he cannot be allowed to subvert the justice delivery system.

The Madras HC CJ putting him on the shelf by not assigning him any work is an unsatisfactory via media. A way to deal with the likes of Justice Karnan must be found if the wheels of justice are to roll on smoothly.