VP Dhankhar calls for judicial accountability cooperation

Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar highlighted the importance of cooperation among the executive, legislature, and judiciary for improving judicial accountability. He addressed lawmakers after a meeting aimed at discussing these concerns. The meeting followed the recovery of cash at the home of Delhi High Court judge Yashwant Varma, who has now been reassigned. The Supreme Court is investigating the matter. Dhankhar emphasized that all branches of government must work together rather than against each other. Dhankhar also referenced the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC), which was deemed unconstitutional in 2015. He urged political leaders to consult within their parties and return with proposals for enhancing judicial accountability. However, the timeline for new legislation remains unclear. Opposition leaders acknowledged the need for transparency but insisted the government must present a plan. A senior lawmaker noted that despite previous near-unanimity on NJAC, political divisions may complicate future efforts to draft similar legislation.