Criticism of judgements should be welcomed: Bar Council

PETALING JAYA: Criticism of judgements should be welcomed so long as such criticism does not impair or hamper the administration of justice, the Bar Council said.
When contacted its president George Varughese (pix) said the objection by the muftis to the Federal Court's judgement on M. Indira Gandhi's case on Monday were merely their personal opinions, which they are entitled to, but has no force of law.
"Court judgments are open to public scrutiny and criticism. However, criticism which attempts to scandalise or undermine the dignity of the court may amount to contempt of court," he told theSun when contacted.
Varughese added that unless and until the judgment of the court is overruled, it will remain as law and must be respected and adhered to.
He also explained that only a party to the appeal who is dissatisfied with the judgment can file for review.
"The judgement can be overruled if a review of the present judgment is successful or it may be overruled in a subsequent judgment."
Two muftis have criticised the landmark ruling by the Federal Court yesterday to set aside the unilateral conversion to Islam of M Indira Gandhi's three children, saying it was not in line with the status of Islam in the constitution.
Perak mufti Harussani Zakaria told local media that the court should respect the constitution and the status of Islam as the religion of the federation.
Meanwhile, Pahang mufti Abdul Rahman Osman said he was worried about how the three children would be raised under the care of Indira, who is a Hindu.
"From the perspective of Islamic law, when a person embraces Islam his children automatically enter the religion. This means that the underaged children follow the religion of whichever parent has taken to Islam," Abdul Rahman was quoted by local media.
On Monday, the apex court ruled that the unilateral conversion of Indira's three children by her ex-husband, Muhammad Riduan Abdullah formerly known as K. Pathmanathan to be null and void and the consent from both parents must be sought in the conversion of minors.
Meanwhile, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun said today that Indira's ex-husband Muhammad Ridhuan is believed to be still in the country after checks were conducted with the Immigration Department.
However, he said there are no leads to his whereabouts and those with information on him are urged to alert the police.