Judges are also bound by ethics, code of conduct: SC

Judges are also bound by ethics, code of conduct: SC

The bench went on to explain how the right of freedom of speech and expression can’t be misused.

Published: 01st September 2020 02:36 AM |

Prashant Bhushan addresses the media in New Delhi on Monday | Shekhar yadav

By Kanu Sarda

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: In its Monday sentencing, the apex court on Monday had a word of advice for judges and lawyers — judicial norms, ethics, and code of conduct are sacrosanct.“Truth can be the defence to the Judges also, but they are bound by their judicial norms, ethics, and code of conduct,” said a three judge bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra.

The top court touched on the unprecedented press conference in 2018 when four SC judges spoke to the media regarding their differences with the CJI. “We hope it was the first and the last occasion that the judges have gone to the press, and God gives wisdom to protect its dignity by internal mechanism, particularly, when allegations made, if any, publicly cannot be met by sufferer judges.”

The bench went on to explain how the right of freedom of speech and expression can’t be misused. “Though there is a freedom of speech, freedom is never absolute because the makers of the Constitution have imposed certain restrictions upon it. Particularly, when such freedom of speech is sought to be abused, and it has the effect of scandalising the institution as a whole and the persons who are part of the said institution and can’t defend themselves publicly, the same can’t be permitted in law.”

“The court can’t abdicate its duty and has to be uninfluenced by the statements published in various articles published in the media and opinions expressed therein. It has to decide the case uninfluenced by such opinions,” the bench said.