Honesty & fearlessness important qualities of judge: SC judge

Honesty and fearlessness are the two most important qualities required in a judge, a Supreme Court judge today said.
"For a judge, honesty and fearlessness are the two most important qualities required. Knowledge of law, patience of hearing and work culture are next. I find this job the most satisfying," Justice Prafulla C Panth said at the inaugural function of the 12th K K Luthra Memorial Moot Court Competition at DU's Campus Law Centre here.
He said Law, as a profession is universally indispensable and continuously strives to prevent the society from plunging into anarchy and those who have an ability to present their case can be excellent lawyers.

Inspiring a large number of law students at the campus, he said, "Initially, law was considered as a last option if you cannot get anywhere. But time has changed. Inspite of all the criticism, this profession is universally indispensable. Lawyers continuously strive to prevent the society from plunging into anarchy."
Law Secretary P K Malhotra, who was also an alumnus of CLC and the function's Guest of Honour, said lawyers today are better informed and have excellent facilities.
"I wish I was born in this time so that I could participate in the moot court, a facility which was not available back then," he said.

However, Malhotra highlighted some aspects of the law profession which require reform and said there was a need of speedy trials and disposal of cases.

"Criminal justice system needs reform. The stages, starting from filing of FIR till the final disposal of the appeals, take a lot of time and we need a prescribed timeline for the same," he said, adding that adjournments are granted at the drop of a hat and lawyers must come fully prepared to present the case.
Students of 50 law institutions from India and abroad, including USA and UK, will participate in the three-day moot court competition, organised by the Campus Law Centre of Delhi University, which will conclude on January 17.

A press release issued by the university said this year's moot problem focuses on the law of espionage, corporate criminal liability and the constitutional validity of a statute and its effect on a pending prosecution.
The final round will be held on January 17 in which Supreme Court judge, Justice J Chelameswar will be the chief guest, the release said.