Lok Satta Party national President has described Justice J. S. Verma as a true conscience keeper of the nation. “We lost a titan. All his life he upheld liberalism, constitutionalism, humanism & integrity,” said Dr. JP in a media statement today.
Dr. JP said Justice Verma was a great jurist, humanist, and champion of probity in public life and judicial and police reform. He brought passion, clarity, resolve, pragmatism, balance, depth and integrity to every public issue he touched. Based on evidence, he was willing to change his views as in respect of appointments to higher judiciary.
Dr. JP said he was privileged to have known Justice Verma very closely for a decade. He co-chaired Lok Satta’s Round Table on Lokpal in Delhi in April 2011. At LokSatta’s request, Justice Verma worked with Justices M. N. Venkatachaliah and V. R. Krishna Iyer and unanimously recommended key judicial reforms.
After year-long deliberations, the three eminent jurists proposed constitution of a National Judicial Commission (NJC) for appointing judges and Indian Judicial Service (IJS) for subordinate judiciary.
Justice Verma recommended creation of independent Lokpal/Lokayukta and CBI/ACB and enactment of a strong law to confiscate properties of the corrupt.
Dr. JP said that carrying out reforms to improve public life in India will be the truly fitting tribute to the memory of late Justice Verma.
Dr. JP conveyed his deepest condolences to Justice Verma’s family members, who stood solidly with him all his life at enormous personal cost and privation. “When great human beings work tirelessly for society, often the family pays a heavy price. My salute to all the family members of Justice Verma.”
