"An independent judiciary is essential for upholding constitutional values, but it must also remain accountable to preserve public trust." Discuss in the context of recent issues.

Independent Judiciary → Essential

1. Ensures checks and balances and powers eg Article 13 (JR)

2. Protects rights of citizen eg Triple Talaq, Sabrimala Case

3. Ensure Transformation of society eg Navtej Singh Johar Case → Recognised 3rd gender

4. Prevent authoritarianism and democracy. eg HR Khanna in ADM Jabalpur Case

5. Protect constitutional morality (CM) eg NCT of Delhi vs UOI Case → use CM to check union excess

6. Maintains federal balance eg SR Bommai Case → Against use of Article 356

Thus; In NJAC Case (2014), SC held independence of judiciary as part of Basic Structure

Need of Accountability

1. Stopping judiciary from becoming 3rd chamber of legislature (VP Dhankhar)
2. Keep a check on 'Judicio-Papism' eg Ban on Alcohol near highway
3. Ensuring Public trust & transparency in System eg Recent Judge cash at home case (Delhi HC)
4. Prevent Judicial overreach in executive and legislative domain
5. Ensure clean separation of power

Accountability → Right & thoughtful decision → upholding of mandate → People's trust ↑↑

Way forward

1. Reviving Judicial Accountability Bill (2010)
2. Ethics commissioner for Judiciary
3. In-house mechanism for accountability.