Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Jan 23: “Increasing incidence of corruption in courts, which are expected to hold constitutional rights high, has dented the reputation of judiciary. The judgments that have come out in cases pertaining to Babri Masjid and Binayak Sen have created a suspicion about the functioning of courts in the minds of the common people,” said retired judge of Karnataka High Court, M F Saldanha. He was speaking at a programme of rightful demand for the release of social activist, Binayak Sen, organized on Friday January 21 in front of the office of the district deputy commissioner here, under the aegis of People’s Union for Civil Liberties, NCHRO, and Karnataka chapter of Transparency International.

“The fact that corruption has sneaked into courts, from which impartial, transparent, and speedy justice are expected, is indeed a worrying development. The report of Bar Council of India has mentioned that a number of relatives of High Court judges work in the same courts. Karnataka High Court tops this list. Over 2.5 lac under-trial prisoners have been languishing in jails. The judgment of Raipur court against Binayak Sen, a doctor, who has spent his entire life working for the welfare of tribals, has created doubts about the courts in the minds of the people. This verdict has come in for severe criticism. On behalf of various organizations, I rightfully demand for his release,” he said.

Popular Front of India national general secretary, K M Shariff, and P B D’Sa of PUCL, also spoke at the meeting. NCHRO Dakshina Kannada district committee president, Saduddin M Sali, Dinesh Hegde Ulepady, Walter Cyril Pinto, and several others were present.