EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE

CHANDIGARH, May 23: Denial of justice to the downtrodden sections of society was the focus of talks in today’s symposium held on the topic, "Casteist Administration of Indian Judiciary".

The symposium, organised by the local unit of Backward and Minorities Communities Employees Federation (BAMCEF), was held here in the B. R. Ambedkar Bhawan.

Speaking on the occasion, former deputy advocate general Jatinder Chauhan drew attention towards some of the Supreme Court pronouncements which go against the interests of the downtrodden. He talked about the judgment where the SC rules that no reservation would be allowed for single posts.

Also, reading out from a report regarding disbursement of land (under the land reforms scheme) to the downtrodden in Kerela, Chauhan stated that out of the actual 20 lakh acres earmarked for the purpose, only 2.46 lakh acres of land reached the beneficiaries. About 11.31 lakh acres could not be delivered because cases concerning this portion of land were being heard in various tribunals constituted for the purpose.

Vice-president, BAMCEF, Mool Chand, said that the judiciary, these days, was passing judgments which were inconsistent. He added that all rules of the Constitution and directive principles have been ignored in the process. The point of justice becoming costlier and thus out of reach for the common man was also raised.

The President’s recent notification in which he suggested that while appointing the Judges of the Supreme Court, candidates of scheduled casts and tribes be also considered, was interpreted by Bhajan Kaur, Reader, Department of Law, PU.

Largely, the need to make the judiciary transparent and accountable, was highlighted. Among others who spoke on the occasion were Prem Singh, chief editor, Desh Sewak Daily and T. S. Jhalli, national president, BAMCEF