I refer to the letter titled "Democracy and Indepen-dence of Judiciary" appeared in ‘The Island’ of May 21 and would like to add that judicial officers must be matured and experienced persons similar to those in higher courts as fair decision making according to the law is involved. Notion that young recruits can be trained fails in the case of judicial officers as they are required to be matured, experienced and learned in law.

All Magistrates are equal and there should exist no "Chief" or supervisory posts as in other public services due to the fact that independence and impartiality must be maintained. It is noticed that the press knowingly or unknowingly report non-existent designations such as Chief Magistrate, etc. Whatever it is, Magistrates are Magistrates irrespective of whether they are senior or junior. Errors are corrected by the higher judiciary by way of appeal. Rightly this is the supervision that exists that safeguards the independence of minor judiciary.

The public of this country know that judicial officers work hard and they deserve higher remuneration as in the case of their counterparts in other countries. The myth that the salaries of judges should be on par with politicians should be changed.

However, generally we can be content with the judiciary. Judiciary being one of the arms of a Democratic government must always be more strenthened than political arm for the people to enjoy real democracy.
Fiat justitia
Panadura