Nasheed's arrest and judicial excesses

This refers to the report, "Maldives defends jailing of Nasheed" (March 16). The ex-president of Maldives has become another victim of judicial excesses. He has been accused of jailing a judge. It is strange that criminal charges were dropped against Nasheed but later revived. It is high time that there should be a global support group for victims of judicial excesses. This brings us to an interesting debate on western-style judicial independence which the top court of China has termed as an "erroneous thought". Many nations have adopted this concept of judicial independence - separation of powers of the government and the judiciary. One American chief justice has said that judicial independence is public property.  Should not the concept of judicial independence undergo a change in modern times?

Nasheed's trial should have been telecast live. No doubt, Nasheed can go for an appeal. But the question is- will he get justice? Maldives has always been in the news due to political turmoil. A picturesque nation in the Indian Ocean should remain peaceful and work towards economic prosperity of its population.   

Deendayal M. Lulla
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