NEW DELHI: There is no transparency in collegium system for judicial appointments, Union minister and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) chief Ram Vilas Paswan said in the Parliament on Friday as he reiterated his demand to have Indian Judicial Services on the lines of IAS and IPS.

Paswan said this will ensure proper representation of the SC/ STs in the higher judiciary, which scrutinises the laws passed by the Parliament and legislatures. “The Parliament can make the laws, but these can face the hurdle from the judiciary. No revolutionary decision will have any impact unless we have higher numbers in the judiciary...If Dalits can become IAS and IPS officers, then why can’t they be judges,” Paswan said.

The minister added Indian Judicial Services can be established as per provision of the Constitution. “They (judiciary) don’t want this since they have collegium system, which is not transparent. I am making this statement on the floor of the House. I am aware if I do the same outside, I will be charged with contempt of court,” he said.

Paswan’s demand comes at a time when there is uneasiness between the judiciary and the government over appointment of judges.

Giving full marks to the government for taking steps to protect the rights of Dalits, the minister said if the Supreme Court delivers an adverse verdict on a review petition filed against its order diluting the provisions of the SC/ST Act, the Centre will bring ordinance and amendments in the law. “There will be no change in the law. Then you must not show reluctance,” Paswan said.

The Centre had moved the apex court in April seeking a review of its judgement by which safeguards were put on the provisions for immediate arrest under the Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

