BENGALURU: Justice A S Pachhapure on Tuesday urged the state government to introduce laws to rectify mistakes that occur during acquittals in criminal cases and to find out the reason for acquittals.
He also suggested that to protect the interests of the victim, the state government mandate law degrees for police, tahsildar, assistant commissioner and deputy commissioner — those who have the powers to deal with cases of enquiry on a daily basis.
Addressing members of the Bar and Bench at his farewell programme in High Court, Justice Pachhapure said: “If we look at the criminal justice system, the conviction rate was less than 10 per cent a decade ago. Now it has increased to 20 per cent. To me, if crimes are committed, and 20 per cent of the accused are punished, but the rest are free, who is (out) in the society? If the society has to be safe and secure, it is necessary for the government to know the reasons of acquittal and introduce such laws and rectify the mistakes that occur during acquittals in criminal cases.”
Judicial officers should keep their egos in the backseat and come together to take the judiciary to the highest pedestal, Justice Pachhapure said. He said that as far as justice in a criminal case is concerned, the court has to do justice to the victim.
“Since the beginning, there is not much development of law towards justice to the victim. We have given more attention to the personal liberty of an accused, ignoring the grievances of the victim. Therefore, it is for the state to do needful. It appears necessary for the Centre and the states to empower its representatives with necessary infrastructure and funds,” he said.
He added that unless there was a strong person behind the victims, their rights are not protected. “I do not think that the interest of the victim could be protected. If there is a failure to do justice to the victim, then the very system collapses. It is not the responsibility of the judges alone to bring faith and belief in the court of justice. Only if judges and members of the Bar come together, hand in hand can they elevate law and kindle faith in common people.”
Acting Chief Justice Subhro Kamal Mukherjee said that Justice Pachhapure’s retirement was a loss to the institution.
The Justice on Yoga
“I have adopted yoga since 1994 and feel satisfied with its effect on me. I could have been something else if I had not practised yoga. In this journey, I have the blessings of Siddeshwara Swamiji. I am of the firm opinion that yoga is necessary both for the judges and advocates. That may bring confidence, peace, and happiness in discharging their duties. I am happy that yoga has been introduced in the judicial academy and this will yield good results in due course of time.”
