NEW DELHI: The All-India Bar Association (AIBA) has expressed serious concern over the "assault on the judiciary" by politicians whenever court passes any adverse order or makes inconvenient observations. In a statement, the chairman and the vice-chairman, Adish C. Agarwala and S. Prabhakaran, referred to the recent remarks made by Tamil Nadu Electricity Minister Arcot N. Veerasamy against the judiciary and said such comments were unwarranted, uncalled for and in bad taste. They expressed concern over Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi endorsing the Minister's remarks rather than reprimanding him.

The statement said such harsh remarks by a Minister would undermine the majesty and independence of the judiciary and the common man would lose faith in the judicial system if there was any confrontation.

The AIBA leaders said: "The judiciary decides only those cases that come before it. Certain decisions or observations may not be to the liking of the Government but that does not mean that any one should criticise the judiciary and make sweeping remarks in the manner as it had been done in this case. At the same time, the judges must also confine their role within the contours of law and nothing more." They said that under the Constitution both the judiciary and the executive enjoyed independence and a delicate balance should be maintained to avoid any confrontation. Any unhealthy resentment or confrontation would not augur well for the smooth functioning of the judiciary.

The statement said that being a statesman and seasoned politician, Mr. Karunanidhi should put an end to the friction between the two organs of the state and give the quietus to the whole issue.

The AIBA wanted the Chief Minister to advise his Ministers not to make any sweeping or adverse comment that would interfere with the functioning of the judiciary.

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