Karnataka (India) Section of the International
Commission of Jurists are delighted to invite you to a seminar on

Independence of Judiciary and National Judicial
Appointments Commission

Date: February 15, 2015 (Sunday)

Venue: Karnataka Judicial Academy

Crescent House, Crescent Road, Bangalore – 560 001.

Background on KSICJ

The Karnataka (India) Section of the International
Commission of Jurists, which was formerly known as the Mysore (Karnataka) State
Commission of Jurists, owes its existence to the progressive and erudite
members of the Bangalore Bar, who founded it on 4th April 1959. The inspiration
was the International Commission of Jurists, which was founded in 1953, in the
aftermath of the Second World War. Its main role was to defend Human Rights and
fundamental freedoms, so that the universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted
by the United Nations General Assembly on the 10th of December 1948, could
become a reality in all parts of the World. The ICJ has been functioning and
fighting many a battle, such as against apartheid in South Africa and the
repressive regimes in Spain, Argentina and other parts of the World. The ICJ
has worked tirelessly for the evolution of many International Human Rights
Instruments for the propagation of the Rule of Law, such as the Declaration of
Delhi (1995), the Bangalore Declarations (1995), etc.

As on date, the Karnataka (India) Section is the only
active affiliate of the ICJ in India. Continuing its role in galvanising public
debate on important legal issues, particularly those concerning the rule of law
– the KSICJ has organised this seminar on Independence of Judiciary and
National Judicial Appointments Commission.  

Theme

The judges in India’s Supreme Court and High Courts are the
guardians of our democratic institutions and fundamental freedoms. Especially
today when the public increasingly turns to judges, almost exclusively, to
safeguard our constitutional values. This calls for a rigorous evaluation of
the competence and qualities of those who occupy these positions and the
processes by which are appointed. However surprisingly, the widespread concerns
regarding competence and efficiency of judges, their independence and their
accountability has not been matched by public or parliamentary debates on these
issues. The current seminar therefore, is an attempt to remedy this. It hopes
to provoke public debate and invite comments of respected jurists on these
significant issues.

Programme and Speakers

Hon’ble Mr. D V Sadananda Gowda (Union Minister of Law)
will inaugurate the seminar and Mr. Anil Divan Senior Advocate, Supreme Court
of India will deliver the keynote address. Following the welcome address by Mr.
S.S. Naganand Senior Advocate President Karnataka (India) Section of the
International Commission of Jurists, there will be two sessions chaired by Mr.
Justice V.S. Malimath (Former Chief Justice of Karnataka and Kerala High
Courts) and Mr. Justice S. Rajendra Babu (Former Chief Justice of India).
Papers will be presented by several distinguished speakers including Justice R
Jayasimha Babu (Former Judge, High Court of Karnataka and Madras), Mr. DLN Rao
Senior Advocate, and advocates Mr. V Sudish Pai, Mrs. P Anu Chengappa, Mr.
Shreyas Jayasimha and Mr. Amit Pai. The closing session will be addressed by
Mr. Prashant Kumar, Advocate and President-elect Law Asia.

Delegate Fee

Students: Rs. 200/-

Practicing Advocates with less than five years experience:
Rs. 300/-

Other Advocates: Rs. 500/-

Senior Advocates: Rs. 2000/-