Vijayawada:  Chief Justice of India NV Ramana said that nowadays it is fashionable to reiterate phrases such as, Judges are themselves appointing Judges. I consider this to be one of the widely propagated myths.

CJI NV Ramana made the remarks while delivering the fifth Late Sri Lavu Venkateswarlu Endowment Lecture. CJI explained the process how the selection of Judges, the fact is the judiciary is merely one of the many players involved in the process.

Many authorities are involved including the Union Law Ministry, State Governments, Governor, High Court Collegiums’, Intelligence Bureau, and lastly the topmost executive, who all are designated to examine the suitability of a candidate. I am sad to note that the well informed also propagate the aforesaid notion. After all, this narrative suits certain sections, he said.

CJI called the need of law enforcement agencies to deal with the increasing incidents of attacks on the judiciary with effectively on Sunday. He also said in recent times, physical attacks on judicial officers are on the rise.

At times, there are also concerted campaigns in print and social media against Judges if parties do not get a favourable order. These attacks appear to be sponsored and synchronized. The law enforcing agencies, particularly the specialized agencies, need to deal with such malicious attacks effectively.

It is unfortunate that unless the Court interferes and passes orders, the authorities generally do not proceed with the investigation. The Governments are expected and duty bound to create a secure environment so that the Judges and judicial officers can function fearlessly, he said. He also brought the spotlight on media trials, and said that they cannot be the guiding factors for deciding cases.

Another aspect which affects the fair functioning and independence of judiciary is the rising number of media trials. New media tools have enormous amplifying ability but appear to be incapable of distinguishing between right and wrong, good and bad and the real and fake. Media trials cannot be a guiding factor in deciding cases, he observed. CJI appreciated the State Government for appointing of several Judges, he debunked the claims of Judges themselves appointing Judges.