Thiruvananthapuram: Former Supreme Court Judge Shri Kurian Joseph said on Saturday that mixing of religion in politics is of dangerous consequences and should be taken seriously. He said that stringent action should be taken against such people doing so including debarring from legal fraternity. He was delivering the keynote address on the third day of the IAL National Conference at Mount Carmel Conventional Centre, Thiruvananthapuram.
He said that those elected as representatives of a particular party crossing over to other parties or supporting other parties is a challenge to democracy.
To change this, it is necessary to amend the law. It is ridiculous that like LKG students, matured senior MPs and MLAs have to be shifted to resorts for fear of being influenced. He said that the Election Commission should decide not to register new political parties. There are judges who are progressive and also judges who want their own progress. Justice Kurian Joseph also opined that the ambitions of the judges after retirement should end.
Judges take an oath to uphold the Constitution. That is the main responsibility of the judiciary, he said. Maintaining fraternity in the country and treating all citizens equally are all prescribed in the constitution. However, one must consider whether equality for all citizens without distinction on the basis of caste, religion, language or way of life is being practiced today.
He asked whether our country is in a position to give respect and protection to women today. In India, with its diverse lifestyles, there should be unity, not integration. Today, vested interests are taking the concept of Hinduism to a different level. He also pointed out that sectarian attitudes are visible everywhere today, including on the basis of caste, religion and wealth.
He was delivering the keynote address at the IAL National Conference. 4 Commission discussions were held on 4 important issues related to Judiciary.
Adv.K.P.Jayachandran Adv.A Jayashankar Adv.C.B. Swaminathan Adv.P.A. Ayub Khan also spoke. Adv. B. Prabhakar presided.