Judiciary must guarantee rights

EMERITUS Prof Shad Saleem Farugi noted the moral leadership of the Federal Court in the recent Indira Gandhi case ( The Star, Feb 1).

In doing so, he provided a timely reminder of the important and impartial role the judiciary plays in a democratic society.

In this regard, it is useful to see the make-up of the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) in the UK.

Its 15-member diverse commission is headed by a lay member as chairman, and comprises six judi- cial members, five lay members, two non-legal professional members and a judge.

The diversity provides a wider degree of opinions and views, making it more inclusive.

It enables each member to bring their knowledge, expertise, and most importantly, the independence of mind and the versatility of experience to the appointment of judges.

With members operating transparently, impartially and with integrity, such a JAC would give a great opportunity for our govern- ment to underline its recognition of the importance of the judiciary in providing checks and balances to safeguard the characteristics of our democracy.

As Andrew Jackson wisely deduced: “All the rights secured to the citizens under the Constitution are worth nothing, and a mere bubble, except guaranteed to them by an independent and virtuous judiciary.”