Observation

This was another popular question and the candidates’ performance was average. They really had a good idea of the question. However, a few candidates performed poorly in part (b) and score low marks. The candidates were expected to write the following points as answers to the question.

1. Judicial independence is a situation where the judges do not respect persons or institutions but ensure fairness in the discharge of their functions irrespective of who is involved.
2. 1. Appointment: the appointment of judges and magistrates should be done by a neutral body and not by the executive.
   2. Promotion of judges: judges should be promoted as at when due to avoid temptations for corruption.
   3. Remuneration: salaries and allowances of judges must be sufficient to meet their needs and charged on the consolidated fund.
   4. Security of tenure: A judge shall not be removed from office except for cases of gross misconduct, incompetence and dereliction of duty.
   5. Immunity: Judges should be immuned for pronouncements they made while discharging their duties.
   6. Judges must be politically neutral.
   7. Judges must be restrained from cases in which they have vested/personal interests.
   8. Judges must be bold enough to charge any person for contempt of court.
   9. Judges must be restrained from social engagements and interactions.