Kathmandu, August 24:

Newly designated senior advocates today called on the Judicial Council to play an effective role to curb corruption and irregularities in the judiciary.

"The role of the Law Minister and the council members can play a crucial role to curb corruption and irregularities in the judiciary," said senior advocate Bharat Raj Uprety.

Uprety alleged the Chief Justice-headed Council of doing nothing to combat corruption and irregularities in the judiciary. "We will support the move of the Nepal Bar Association aimed at curbing corruption and irregularities," he added. Senior advocate Harihar Dahal accused the judges of tarnishing the image of the judiciary.

He said judges had failed to protect human rights.

Senior advocate Narayan Ballav Pant, however, stressed the need of cooperation between the court and the bar. "We have to discuss ways to forge cooperation between the two integral parts of the judiciary. Blame-game will only cause people to lose faith in the judiciary," he added.

Former Attorney-General Yagya Murti Banjade stressed the need to make efforts to win hearts and minds. He said only judges and lawyers having clean image can deliver justice.

Another senior advocate Kamal Narayan Das said the apex court should confer the titles on time. "It should give the title on time so that one can work effectively to provide justice," he added.