The Karnataka High Court recently sent a circular asking judges to avoid MLAs in public meetings. MLAs have not been amused by this notice, accusing the Court of generalising politicians. S Suresh Kumar now wonders if the MLAs too should start investigating judges
The Karnataka High Court, in its circular, has directed judges not to share the stage publicly with ministers and MLAs and not to invite ministers and MLAs to court functions.
This circular is an insult to our legislative. The state government should consider this order seriously and send a candid message to the court, as it has hurt the feelings of public representatives. Society has acknowledged that not all leaders are bad, and it has also understood that not all members of the judiciary are good.
In such a case, this intolerance of judiciary towards the legislative is not acceptable.
In 2008-2013, I had faced this humiliation when I was the law minister. I was invited to inaugurate a court building in Holalkere Taluk, Chitradurga District. A police officer came to my residence a few days before the inauguration function and started enquiring about me in my house.
His third question enraged me. He asked - "Are there any criminal cases against you? If there are any, please furnish the details." I was made to give an explanation about a background that I do not have.
I did not answer him. Instead, I called the DGP and told him about the cop's odd enquiry. The DGP taught the cop right manners over the phone and settled the issue. Later I came to know that the police officer was sent by a High Court judge, who was also invited for the inauguration function.
The judge wanted to know the criminal background of invitees about to share the stage with him in public and had ordered the cop not to allow people with criminal backgrounds on the stage.
After that, I was hesitant about attending the function. Finally, since I was the state law minister, I participated in the function and shared my humiliation in my speech.
"From now onwards, I'll also follow the example set by the Honourable judge. I'll also order an enquiry into the criminal background of the people who are going to share the stage with me” I declared from the stage. The incident was discussed in the Lok Sabha as well, and the MPs discussed the possibility of impeaching the judge also.
Since it is the state government which provides the buildings and infrastructure to the judiciary, members of the judiciary cannot think of avoiding the people's representatives for the inauguration of such provisions.
I urge TB Jayachandra to advocate for the people’s representatives and explain our feelings to the judiciary.
(S Suresh Kumar is the Rajajinagar MLA and a senior BJP leader. The above column, originally written in Kannada, first appeared in Kannada Prabha)
