Public debate over PM-CJI puja meet linked to 1997 judicial values document
New Delhi: Public discussions and concerns within the legal fraternity regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud's residence for a Ganapati puja is rooted in a 1997 document outlining judicial values. This document, titled the Restatement of Values of Judicial Life, was adopted by the Supreme Court during a Full Court Meeting on May 7, 1997.
The 16-point document serves as a guide for the expected conduct of judges in both the Supreme Court and High Courts. The first principle emphasises the importance of judicial impartiality, advising judges to avoid any acts that could erode public confidence in the judiciary. The document also recommends that judges maintain a "degree of aloofness consistent with the dignity of [their] office."
The Campaign for Judicial Accountability and Reforms, represented by advocate Prashant Bhushan, highlighted the importance of maintaining proper boundaries between the judiciary and the executive, citing former Chief Justice M.N. Venkatachaliah's stance that while the judiciary and executive must maintain a correct relationship, cordiality should not compromise the separation of powers.
Notable legal figures have voiced their opinions on the matter. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal acknowledged CJI Chandrachud's integrity but expressed concerns about public perception, stating that such incidents could lead to gossip and undermine the institution. Senior advocate Indira Jaising criticized the CJI's actions, claiming it compromised the independence of the judiciary. Meanwhile, Bar Council of India chairperson Manan Kumar Mishra dismissed the controversy, stating that the puja was a religious and social event that would not influence court judgments.
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Maharashtra sets up state vaccination task force to strengthen immunisation programme
Mumbai (PTI): The Maharashtra government has set up a State Vaccination Task Force to strengthen the regular immunisation programme and review the progress of related campaigns, a health department official said on Monday.
The State Vaccination Task Force will comprise at least 29 members and will be headed by the administrative head of the health department, he informed.
The government has also constituted separate district-level and municipal vaccination task forces to improve implementation and address challenges at the grassroots level, he said.
Municipal task forces, chaired by respective civic commissioners, have been constituted in view of the vast urban population in Maharashtra and the role of civic bodies in implementing different health programmes.
The district-level task forces will function under the chairmanship of collectors.
"Complete immunisation of children at the appropriate age is an extremely simple, cost-effective and highly effective measure to reduce child mortality and the prevalence of diseases among kids. Immunisation is a powerful tool for reducing illness in children," maintained the official.
To ensure full vaccination of all children, the state government implements various campaigns from time to time as per the central government guidelines, he pointed out.
"Active participation and cooperation of other relevant government departments are essential (in making these campaigns successful)," according to the official.
The state-level body will review the regular immunisation programme, associated campaigns and vaccine-preventable diseases in detail. It will also conduct focused assessments of high-risk districts and municipal corporations, including vacancies at district, municipal and sub-district levels, availability of cold chain equipment, resource gaps and training requirements, he noted.
The state task force will review allocation and utilisation of funds for immunisation and ensure timely action by officers concerned based on reports from district and municipal task forces and state-level monitoring mechanisms, the official said.
It will also ensure active coordination and participation of other government departments in immunisation drives, while district and municipal task forces will carry out similar functions at their respective levels, the official added.
