Hon’ble Shri. D. V. Sadananda Gowda has been appointed Minister of Law & Justice with effect from 9th November 2014. He was earlier the Minister of Railways and before that he was the Chief Minister of Karnataka and .
Shri. Sadananda Gowda has come from extremely humble origins. He has risen to the pinnacle by sheer dint of hard work and perseverance.
Shri. Sadananda Gowda has practiced as a Public Prosecutor and is well aware of the problems plaguing the judiciary. In his previous roles, he has demonstrated a strong desire to solve problems. We are confident that he will spearhead important changes in the Judiciary.
The Bar Association shall shortly approach the Hon’ble Law Minister with a request that the following long-standing issues raised by the Bar be addressed at the earliest:
(i) Appointment of a permanent President for the Tribunal as well as filling up the vacancies in the posts of Sr. Vice Presidents and Vice Presidents;
(ii) Increase in the age limits for Judges & Tribunal Members from 62 years to 65 years.
We wish the Hon’ble Minister good luck in the new posting.
OFFHAND
In the given context, It is worth recalling, and drawing keen attention to, the following matters given publicity long ago:
> Draft for ‘Legal Practitioners (Regulations and Maintenance of Standards in Professions, Protecting the Interest of Clients and Promoting the Rule of Law) Bill, 2010
> National Consultation for Second Generation Reforms in Legal Education
So far as is known (subject to further inquiry), no further development has been heard of, notably significant at that, in the direction of moving forward determinately on the lines then envisaged .
May be, the new law minister will do well to give the topmost priority that deserves, in the interests of the legal fraternity, more importantly of the tax ‘clients’ and the Revenue as well..
The referred matter, no need to specially add, has assumed greater priority than hitherto, rather the utmost urgency in the aftermath of the SC 5 member-bench verdict in re. Madras Bar Association vs. UOI (Supreme Court – Constitution Bench)