Recent trend of publicly targeting judges unfortunate: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar

Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankar on Monday bemoaned the recent trend of targeting of judges in the public domain..Speaking at a function organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) to felicitate him, Dhankar, who is a designated Senior Advocate, said,"Recent unfortunate, pernicious trend of targeting individual judges in public domain calls for exemplary containment. Members of the Bar and the media have a role to play in this.".In his address at the event, he also emphasised that an independent justice system is the best way to safeguard democratic values."Dignity of judges is key and among the fundamental parts of the rule of law and Constitutionalism," he added..The Vice-President also spoke of how he had missed the Bar and the Bench during his years as Governor of West Bengal."As West Bengal Governor for three years, I missed wit, and seriously missed the sarcasm of friends, and the intellect and wisdom of the Bar and Bench.".Solicitor General Tushar Mehta spoke of the academic brilliance, humour and humility of the Vice President, and said that very few in the field had achieved what Dhankar has."I find no change in the man despite his posts over the years, a quality we should all imbibe. When you meet him closely, you realise his sense of humour, not at the cost of others," he stated.Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju said that the new Vice President would be an asset for parliament and the country, and indicated how he would have to handle the Rajya Sabha now. .SCBA President Vikas Singh added,"He has been a protector of justice for all, is a kisan putra. He fits into the mould of a self-made politician...played an instrumental role in the life of Arun Jaitley.".Chief Justice of India NV Ramana in his speech touched on the Senior Advocate's humble beginnings."He used to walk six kilometers from his village to attend his school. All through, he maintained live contact with his roots. Simplicity and hard work, which are synonymous with rural life, are his constant companions. It is on the strength of our democracy that Shri Dhankhar ji could reach the second highest office in the country, in spite of hailing from rural background and without political father or Godfather. His elevation is a tribute to our healthy democratic traditions and rich constitutional values."CJI Ramana added that after his impending retirement, he hopes to watch quality debates in the Rajya Sabha, which will be presided over by Dhankar as Chairperson..Follow our live coverage of the event here: