Despite there being a very clear and categorical diktat by the Supreme Court that judges should not socialize with advocates, there seems to be no rigorous compliance of this very salutary prescription. Official tea parties within the court premises are okay. But highly spirited parties hosted at starred hotels are worrisome. It leads to a potential avenue for advocates to creep and cultivate a convenient relationship with judges. It can also end up in funny, embarrassing and demeaning situations at times. Judges should also avoid socializing with politicians in power.
The current state of the judiciary is a matter of grave concern and nothing must be done that only further jeopardizes the credibility and integrity of the judicial system. The contact between advocates and judges should be strictly restricted to the court room. This would go a long way in ensuring an independent, unbiased, free and fair temples of justice. A truly transparent and in fact sovereign judiciary which is a salient safeguard of our constitution is the only last hope for the common men in their thrust for justice.
