Dear Editor,
I am neither a lawyer nor a legal expert but based on my ordinary dwellings, I have observed some judicial decisions which deserve criticism.
A day does not go by when people complain about the conduct of judges. Too many people complain of delay in their matters before the courts, and too many complain about decisions delivered by judges. Scrutiny and fair criticism has always been a method used by complainants which often leads to redress.
Over and over again we have heard that judges are not above the law. We know that judges are paid by the public purse and are therefore accountable to the public. Judges often decide on the liberty of citizens. Judges make rulings which can drastically alter the lives of people. Therefore, judges are not beyond criticism and it should be proper to criticise judges.
Unfortunately, whenever a criticism is made of a judge or the Judiciary there is always a lash back that judicial independence is being attacked. Some media entities are even scared to publish criticism of judges or the judiciary because they are intimidated and fear the consequences.
Accountability is a two-way street. How is it that ordinary individuals must face repercussions for their statements, while judges are somehow shielded? I am confused as a layman. I wish to be educated as to when and in what circumstances a judge may be criticised? And since I am at it, do the statements made by Justice Gino Persaud not meet the threshold for criticism?
Yours sincerely,
Neel Kamal