Democracy is no doubt in the supreme interest of the country. It should be allowed to flourish without any interference from the army. Immense damage has already been caused to the country due to the imposition of recurrent martial laws. The restoration of superior courts judges, who were removed on November 3 last year after the imposition of emergency rule, will be of vital importance as it will give a message to potential usurpers that the judiciary will not play a role in derailing democracy in the future. The reinstatement will ensure that no judge justifies the imposition of a martial law in the future.
If the nation has to live with dignity and honour, the government must restore the deposed judges. Any person who took oath under the PCO should not be allowed to function as a judge unless he or she offers a public apology for supporting a dictator. All the November 3 illegal and unconstitutional acts must be undone through an administrative order of the prime minister.