The nine members of the Judicial appointments commission (JAC) were made known today. There are 8 judges (presently serving or retired) and a former attorney general- all government servants. The JAC is to be entrusted with the selection of qualified persons as judges. The Government says the JAC is its commitment to increase public confidence in the judiciary. I do not think the present make up of the JAC will increase public confidence in the judiciary because they consists of the usual suspects. It would have inspired more confidence if a retired respected member from the opposition party, a respected member of the Bar, a respected religious leader (from the Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, Moslem or Sikh faiths etc) , a respected NGO leader, and a respected lay person be included in the JAC as well. As it is presently constituted, i can't help feel that it will be pro government and that is always bad for democracy.
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