KATHMANDU: Submitting the annual report of the Supreme Court to President Dr Ram Baran Yadav, Chief Justice Anup Raj Sharma today expressed serious concern about the “threat” to judicial independence. Sharma said the issue of the independence of judiciary has become a major challenge for the country. “Democracy can flourish and the country can become prosperous only with the independence of judiciary,” the Chief Justice said. “Democracy cannot be effective in the absence of an effective judiciary,” he added. He urged all stakeholders to ensure the independence of judiciary in the future constitution and work effectively in this regard. Sharma and some other Supreme Court officials met Dr Yadav in the latter’s office at Shital Niwas where Sharma submitted the report for the year 2065/066 (2008/09). Stating that several posts in the judiciary are lying vacant for a long time now due to reasons like compulsory retirement, the CJ said the courts could not be fully functional. He said he was for filling the vacancies soon. He also called on the government to provide sufficient resources to courts. Limited resources in the judiciary were hampering its effectiveness, he said, urging the government to amend laws related to the judiciary. He said this will help the judiciary in relation to its adjudication process. The Chief Justice also said the judiciary is committed to making its information and activities transparent. Stating that judges and court officials have been facing threats from various quarters, the CJ urged the authorities concerned to ensure security for them.